Photos By Brandon Teed

Surf's Up

Nada Surf made their return to The Opera House in Toronto bringing with them a mix of new and old material spanning from their decade plus catalog of music.

With over ten years of touring experience, one would've expected a pre-rehearsed routine of rock pageantry out of a band formed in the early nineties. Instead, the trio stayed true to their fans often stopping between songs to converse with the crowd. The highlight of the night's interaction was when frontman Matthew Caws challenged his audience to dance a two step during their song "Inside Of Love" - a fan favourite off their 2003 release Let Go. Bassist Daniel Lorca and drummer Ira Elliot's appreciation was heart-felt as they repeatedly thanked everyone in attendance for their support.

The show - which stretched towards two hours - included tracks from the band's top three albums Let Go, The Weight Is A Gift, and Lucky. Despite coaxing from the crowd, the band refused to play their 1996 hit, Popular, which broke them into the majors of alternative rock. Caws toyed with the audience, "When are we going to play it? Ah, I dunno man, maybe next? Who knows.."

As the band had made their exit and setlists dispersed, two things were reassured. First, Nada Surf still has it. In fact, it's my opinion that their latest release Lucky might be a culmination of their best material yet. Second, when the boys return to Toronto, I'll probably to see the same loyal faces again - except this time better prepared with dancing shoes.

Setlist:
Concrete Bed
Hi-Speed Soul
Happy Kid
Whose Authority
What Is Your Secret
Weightless
Killian's Red
I Like What You Say
Inside Of Love
Fruit Fly
88 Windows
Paper Boats
Stalemate
Ice On The Wing
The Fox
Do It Again
Beautiful Beat
See These Bones

Encore:
Blizzard Of '77
Blonde On Blonde
Always Love
Blankest Year

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