Barsuk

It’s been four years since New York rockers Nada Surf released a disc of original material. The band’s last, 2010’s If I Had a Hi-Fi, re-imagined the works of other artists, so it’s notably refreshing to receive any new tracks – let alone a set of songs as perfectly composed as the ones here. The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, Nada Surf’s seventh full-length, perpetuates the thoughtful indie pop that the group has become known for, but this time – there is an extended sense of buoyancy to the music. The title track and “Jules and Jim” – a apt reference for any French cinema fan – are particularly jaunty, almost a throwback to when “pop” involved actual instruments and a truly compelling melody.