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
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
don't appear to be that interested in the angst-ridden, fashionable appeal that they once.
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.
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
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.
is
's most honest and earnest record to date. ~ MacKenzie Wilson