Nada Surf, often referred to as an alternative power pop band, surfaced on commercial radio in the summer of 1996 with a single called “Popular.” Yes, I just used the word Pop to describe this Indie band, but don’t panic! Pop and Indie can in fact co-exist! While some of you may remember this narrative single in the middle of the grunge soaked mid-90s, it wasn’t until Nada Surf’s 3rd album, Let Go (2002) that they started to firmly establish themselves as an indie rock staple.
Their songs are catchy and melodic with skillfully placed harmonies. The lyrics can be clever and playful like Weezer or as introspective and poetic as your favorite singer/ songwriter. As with any pop band, the chords can be a bit predictable, but it’s what the band does with those chords that set it apart. The albums are great from beginning to end and while they have a definitive style, no two songs are alike. Their live show is not to be missed!
While I personally feel this band is highly underrated, they maintain their Indie status with a core following and radio friendly songs that just don’t seem to want to surpass their mid-90s hit on the charts.
What was the band that first got you curious about the Indie genre? If you are familiar with Nada Surf, do you consider them Indie?
If you like: Weezer, Jimmy Eat World
Check out: Nada Surf (start w/ Let Go, progress with The Weight is a Gift and Lucky, then graduate to The Proximity Effect)
Feeling brave: Spoon (Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga), Rogue Wave, Rilo Kiley (More Adventurous)AI Level: Beginner
LOVING this blog. in response to your questions, i remember my interest in indie music starting during senior year of high school (2002-2003), but what i listened to first is all a big blur. i think The Postal Service was the first indie band i really fell in love with, quickly followed by Death Cab for Cutie.
As for Nada Surf….i consider them indie. but i do prefer Jimmy Eat World to Nada Surf because of the energy JEW’s music has. it just makes you want to get up, dance, and sing at the top of your lungs!
Nada Surf was definitely one of my intro bands into the indie world. I found The Weight Is A Gift first, and was hooked after that. They have such a great, pop (gasp!) / indie sound that stays away from the traditional Top-40 cliche, but brings the catchy melodies and then some. They are indeed highly underrated and I’m still in awe that they’re not more well known. But hey, at this level they can still sell out multiple gigs at the Troubadour, letting the super fans see them in an intimate setting you couldn’t at the Top-40 level. Great review!
The band that first got me interested in indie is probably Death Cab for Cutie. My sister introduced them to me a long time ago, and I fell in love with their style and lyrics, which led me to other indie bands such as: The Shins, The Decemberists, Jonsi, The Black Keys, and Arcade Fire. I am familiar with Nada Surf and, yeah, I consider them indie.