Nada Surf

Part of the “Nerd Rock” revival along with “Weezer”, “Superdrag” and “Cake” - Nada Surf have been a major part of American Indie Rock for over 30 years.

In 1992 the band was formed in New York by Matthew Caws and Daniel Lorca - initially under the name “Helicopters” before changing to “Nada Surf”, which Caws said is "actually referring to something much more existential, it's just surfing on nothing. Being lost in your head or in your imagination but you know, whenever I listen to music, I always find myself off somewhere. Somewhere in space. You know, in mental space and it's a reference to that."

In 1995 their drummer, Aaron Conte, left the band and was replaced by Ira Elliot from the Fuzztones. The band met Richard Osasek (former “Cars” frontman and “Weezer” producer after a show and gave him a copy of their demo tape “Tafkans” A week later Ocasek called the band and said he wanted to produce the album and shortly after they signed a contract with Elektra Records - with their debut album (High/Low) being released in June 1996. 



Since then, the band have released nine Albums, the most recent being “Moon Mirror” in 2024 - which has received incredible reviews from Rolling Stone, UnCut Magazine, MOJO and many more.

With a fanbase spanning the world, it is no Suprise to see the band touring with an almost non-stop schedule! They are currently undertaking an exhaustive tour of Europe before heading back to the USA in April for 13 dates across North America. Then in June it’s back to Europe! 

I was fortunate to see them perform here in Valencia as part of their 2025 tour and they did not disappoint! La Rambleta is a fitting venue for the band, and it was sold out weeks in advance.

Taking to the stage they launched straight into ¨Second Skin” - Caws gentle voice, the tight drum riffs of Elliot and the signature bass sound (and dangling cigarette!) of Lorca. The concert was non-stop with old and new songs performed to an adoring crowd. The room erupted when they covered “The Pixes - Where is my Mind?” Halfway through their set. 


With a three-song encore starting with “Popular” and finishing with a dreamily accoustic version of “Blizzard of ´77” Nada Surf proved without a doubt that they really are kings of the “Nerd Rock” revival and even after 33 years, they can still deliver!

Words & Photos: Rhyan Paul