Nada Surf

Lucky (Barsuk)

Nada Surf’s fifth album reveals a few new tricks up the New York trio’s sleeve. They’re growing up. More than just another indie-pop album, Lucky is deeply reflective – age has a way of doing that to a body – even a little optimistic. Opener “See These Bones” is a poignant and ultimately cheerful song about facing one’s mortality, while “Beautiful Beat” starts out like an upbeat popper until singer Matthew Caws pipes up with, “Leave me alone, and no one will get hurt.” His narrator finds redemption in music’s sweet spot in order to pull himself out of his near-midlife crisis. A huge cast of supporting players like Ben Gibbard, John Roderick, Sean Nelson, and Juliana Hatfield add yet more depth to what might be Nada Surf’s best work yet. (Friday, March 14, Cedar Door, 1am; Saturday, March 15, Maggie Mae’s Rooftop, 10pm.)

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This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

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