SxSW 2008 Live: Nada Surf

Nada Surf have quite clearly outlasted the traditional cycle of indie bands. So it's refreshing to see them anew, reinvigorating themselves and their audience at this year's South By Southwest.

It's unusual for a band this established to be plying their wares at this kind of event. Usually dominated by new up-and-coming acts, this year's SxSW has seen the likes of R.E.M, Motorhead and the now, almost veteran-like Nada Surf plugging their new records here.

But unlike the previous bands who've just played the one show, Nada Surf are sweating (both proverbially and literally) like dogs as though they are a band intent on making its breakthrough, playing several showcases and party events.

Tonight, they line up at Cedar's Door, and although not rammed, they draw a hefty audience of long-time Nada Surf fans and also a good mix of new fans warming to their sound.

Playing for an hour the band mostly focussed on the stellar new album out on Barsuk Records - 'Lucky'. Sadly they were yanked off the stage at 2:10am with a few older songs still to play, but for new Nada Surf fans, what turned out to be the set closer, 'See These Bones' taken from the Lucky LP, is a reminder that Nada Surf can still produce awe-inspiring pop music at its finest.

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