We see things they'll never see
Nada Surf - Never Not Together
Alt-Rock legends Nada Surf are back with their 9th studio album 'Never Not Together' via City Slang Records. Their last two albums, although solid, have failed to spark what was, once, a truly exciting band. Can they rediscover the magic?
After touring their classic album 'Let Go' for its 15th anniversary, chief songwriter Matthew Caws spoke of its influence:
"I think [the Let Go tour] really boosted my work ethic and made me feel like I really had to go for it."
Recording at the legendary Rockfield Studios, they have, at times, ignited that flame of brilliance. Former singles ‘So Much Love’ and ‘Something I Should Do’ tapped into the magic of ‘Let Go’ and, pushed the envelope further still. The former surpasses the melody and affection of the classic ‘Inside of Love’. Honestly, who pulls out their best ever single on album number 9? Nada fucking Surf, that’s who!
This week, we saw Nancy Pelosi rip up Trump’s State of the Union. As poignant as it was, it remains entrenched in petty dialectical arguing, it won’t win! The lyrics to ‘Something I Should Do’ however, move past this and show the way forwards:
“And some people can't be beat in an argument
We have to hold to that hippie point harder
Empathy is good lack of empathy is bad
Holy math says we are never not together”
‘Come Get Me’, falls into single selection material too. Caw’s gorgeous vocals, go into Wayne Coyne and Neil Young mode on this Teenage Fanclub meets Lemonheads meander downstream. Young’s influence shines through in the lyrics. As Caws decrees “I’m getting tired / forgetting how to love/forgetting how to dance”, although different in subject matter, the protagonist pushed too far on ‘Down By The River’ comes to the fore.
In recent years, when the unexpected drops from Nada Surf’s work, the criticism has grown. ‘Live Learn & Forget’ and ‘Mathilda’ fall into this territory. However, Caws has found extraordinary serotonin levels on this album. It’s enough to carry these songs past said judgment.
Between Caws and Doug Gillard, long time collaborator, they provide two stunning solos. ‘Crowded Star’, gently shimmers like Neil Young’s ‘Winterlong’ before floating into the ether as if Grandaddy were playing Noel Gallagher songs.
Alternatively, ‘Looking For You’, is the album’s moment of true bombast! Slowly building in a state of daydream, until the stirring guitars and orchestration. Suddenly, everything is possible. The world can change, you can get the girl/boy, the status quo seems movable! A beautiful reminder that one song can still change the world.
While there are moments when 'Never Not Together' dips, it’s never that far. In their own distinct way, they have re-imagined the New Order lyrics “it’s called love and somehow it’s become unmentionable” for 2020. It’s ok to be lost, things will get better Nada Surf around.
*Image courtesy of Annie Dressner