2012 is here, and with it the arrival of Nada Surf’s sixth studio album, The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy, another addition to their discography which does not let down their reputation.With a beautiful layering of vocals, soft guitar and a significant touch of brass instruments, Nada Surf remind you of all the reasons you loved them in the first place and give you the opportunity to fall for them all over again.
There’s a certain maturity that comes across in this album, which probably comes from the fact Nada Surf have been going for 15 years now. ‘When I was Young’ has a lovely depiction of growing up, with lyrics like “Late summer return, airless apartment I lean out the window / Deals on irregular shirts/ save right to light as last year” and the repetition of “Now I’ve grown up, I wonder what that world was I was dreaming of.”
‘Looking Through’ has a more upbeat touch to it, with the constant asking “Are you dancing / are you dancing at all?” It carries you through the story of someone just ‘looking through’: “Every birthday candle that ever got blown out / is one more year of someone trying to figure it all out.”
The hidden gem on The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is definitely ‘The Moon is Calling.’ It was previously released as an exclusive 7” single way back in April, which only served to increase expectation for the full LP. The build up to the chorus certainly delivers what Nada Surf have been known for in brilliant fashion, whilst elsewhere on the album ‘Waiting for Something’ is another highlight for the beauty of its introduction alone.
Laidback, often soothing rock is the perfect addition to any revision playlist at the moment, and Nada Surf are clear veterans at what they do.
7/10