Photo by Gabriel C. Pérez
Ah, the late 1990s/early 2000s – a magical time of gel-spiked hair, low-rise jeans, MySpace, and angsty MTV music videos filmed in either a) empty pools or b) the inside of high schools. While the turn of the century didn’t start with the greatest fashion trends or most original music videos, it did usher in some of Generation Y’s most memorable bands (Death Cab For Cutie, Weezer, OK GO, Interpol). Coming off the heels of their insanely popular 1996 single “Popular,” Nada Surf infiltrated early 2000s right alongside these big names. Nada Surf had songs air on episodes of hit TV series like the OC (2004) and One Tree Hill (2005), solidifying their place among the biggest pop culture trends of the decade.
It’s a year of celebration for Nada Surf. 2016 marks the 20th anniversary since debut album High/Low as well as the release of their 8th studio album, You Know Who You Are. Throughout two decades Nada Surf has managed to make music with a consistent air of familiarity and romance. The album rings true to its 90s alternative roots, but without the added bitterness and angst we saw back in ’96. Instead, You Know Who You Are is a mellow pop album with its heart on its sleeve and a air of wistfulness that leaves you feeling like a walk around the old neighborhood.
Nada Surf played to a sold out show downtown at Parish on Friday. Luckily they dropped by Studio 1A first. Check out a video of the performance and stream some tracks off their new record (as well as some oldies) down below.
–Roxanne Zech
