The Weight Is a Gift Nada Surf Artist

Upon its reissue in 2003, {|Let Go|} had already positioned itself to be an {|indie rock|} milestone in the making for {|Nada Surf|}. They'd left the major labels behind for {|Barsuk|} and remained for their fourth album, {|The Weight Is a Gift|}. Th... Read more

Upon its reissue in 2003, {|Let Go|} had already positioned itself to be an {|indie rock|} milestone in the making for {|Nada Surf|}. They'd left the major labels behind for {|Barsuk|} and remained for their fourth album, {|The Weight Is a Gift|}. The {|punk|} threads found on {|Let Go|} are much more relaxed this time out. The snarky, boyish charm of {|High/Low|}, which made the band a brief mainstream favorite in the mid-'90s, won't ever fade, but ten years later {|Nada Surf|} don't appear to be that interested in the angst-ridden, fashionable appeal that they once. {|The Weight Is a Gift|} is a soothing fit for those who grew up with the band. This 11-song set calls cliches into question, challenges old convictions, and somehow makes sense of growing older without losing sight of one's youth. {|Nada Surf|} have composed fine songs for free-thinking, analytical, and pensive individuals, without being overly complex. The result of all this experience and reflection is that {|Nada Surf|} and producer {|Chris Walla|} have made a great {|pop/rock|} record. It's more of an emotive affair, with soft-hued guitar layers, hushed harmonies, and frontman {|Matthew Caws|}' signature aching, bittersweet vocals. From the gloomy orchestrations of {|My Legs Grow|} and the shiny hopes of {|All Is a Game|} to the more unapologetic, rollicking moments such as {|Blankest Year|} and {|Armies Walk,|} the disc never loses momentum. {|The Weight Is a Gift|} is {|Nada Surf|}'s most honest and earnest record to date. ~ MacKenzie Wilson Less