Nada Surf at the Scala: It’s never too late for teenage dreams

There are a handful of bands that leave you wondering why they are not with a major label. Bands with great melodies, a very recognisable and exquisite voice, and a solid line-up of talented musicians.

Surely that was Nada Surf’s dream right after the (complicated) release of Proximity Effect, a dream that led to their masterpiece Let Go. Without a doubt, this material is worth a mainstream contract, but none of the big three (at that time a big five) decided to sign the New York trio.

Promoting their latest record The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy in London, Nada Surf headlined Scala on a cold October Monday.

In front of a packed audience of loyal fans and friends, the group began their set with album opener Clear Eye Clouded Mind. Frontman Matthew Caws was visibly excited as he started to sing in a venue that has seen historic British and American bands play since the 1970s.

Lead single Waiting for Something and fan favourite Happy Kid followed – a mellow start that suddenly got heavier with Weightless and Killian’s Red.

The setlist was very much a greatest hits list, spanning from their second album Proximity Effect and to their latest effort: the band played Looking Through, Paper Boats, the instant classic Whose Authority and the delicious Jules and Jim. Read about the story behind the song in our interview with the band, here.

The best was yet to come with 80 Windows, When I Was Young, Hi-Speed Soul and Blizzard of ’77: a delight for those present.

The highlight of the evening was Inside of Love, enriched by a simple but amusing set of movements that the band readily taught to the audience. A five-star idea.

The encore consisted of Blonde on Blonde, 2005 indie-anthem Always Love and the rebellious Blankest Year, with its irresistible chorus on a never-ending replay.

Perhaps it’s never too late for teenage dreams.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Photos: Adam Imiolo

Watch the live video for Blankest Year with stage invasion here