Nada Surf showed their staying power today at an intimate show at the Bumbershoot Music Lounge near Fisher Pavilion. The show was hosted by KEXP and other bands scheduled to appear over the next couple days include Old 97’s, Black Eyes and Neckties and The Whigs.The venue seats about 200 and was an ideal place to hear the acoustic sounds of the popular indie band. Surf’s set began with “Ice on the Wing” from their most recent album, “Lucky.”
Lead-singer Matthew Caws sounded incredible in this small venue. While the band’s albums showcase his smooth and refined vocals, the live harmonies with Ira Elliot provided an essential rawness that their recordings lack. Surf bassist Daniel Lorca was out with a knee injury but former Ozma member Jose Galvez proved to be a decent replacement.
The band gets its drum sounds from a cajon (which looks like nothing more than a flat piece of wood) played by Ira Elliot. The instrument provides a beat that’s perfect for the small stage.
Nada Surf continued their hour-long set with the popular “Whose Authority” and “Weightless” during which Caws asked for some crowd participation during the remaining seconds of harmony. Something that was not surprising was the set’s lack of their late 90s hit, “Popular.”
They’ve clearly veered far away from their potential one-hit-wonder status and created a new sound for themselves. Nada Surf seems comfortable in the spot they’re in. They’re faces are not plastered on MTV, but Rolling Stone told readers to “Buy this album” with Surf’s 2003 release “Let Go.”
On my way to check out Saturday’s headliner, Beck, I stopped by the Starbucks stage to see if Nada Surf could match their earlier performance. While their larger stage set veered far away from the refinement of their acoustic performance, they managed to draw a substantial crowd.
This New York band is worth checking out. For a good intro, pick up the 2005 release, “The Weight is a Gift.” You’ll be hooked.
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