The show
was on March 19th of this year and had Nada Surf as the headliner with Sea Wolf opening. I had been loving Sea Wolf since first hearing the single You're a Wolf and was really enjoying the whole album Leaves in the River. I can best describe Alex Church's music as easy-going with a hint of melancholy, like that of an introduction to a Southern childhood narrative; moving slow with a faraway look as the story unfolds. I think it is the string arrangements that give the music this slow gait, but an insistent guitar gives it a contradictory sense of urgency. It was refreshing to see Alex working his own merch table as I walked into the theater and the set that followed was amazing. Simple yet clear, powerful yet controlled, it was a perfect compliment to Nada Surf.Then there was Nada Surf. I must admit that I have been a fan of this band since the song Inside of Love poured out of my stereo's speakers in my first year of college. I have been to a few Nada Surf concerts in my day, but this one definitely surpassed them all. Matthew's lyrics are haunting yet familiar in See These Bones, the perfect soundtrack for a good day in Beautiful Beat, simplistic in narrating the quiet in The Film Did Not Go 'Round. With the new album, Lucky leading the charge while songs from Let Go, The Weight is a Gift, and The Proximity Effect provided support the show was nothing short of amazing. It will be tough to top, but I'm anxious for them to try.
Having obtained two wristbands to the meet-and-greet after the show by sheer luck (and a really really nice merch girl!), my friend Alexis and I made our way upstairs to the patio that features a fantastic view of Hollywood Blvd. Now, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I've met a few celebrities while living in Los Angeles. They have been actors, mostly and I've never had a problem putting together a complete and cohesive sentence. However, when speaking with Matthew and the rest of the band this elementary skill somehow became difficult.
Thank goodness for my amazing pal Alexis for helping me hold it together, but I think that is one of the first times in my life where I can say I was utterly beside myself with awe. I had a chance to have a one on one conversation with Matthew (which I hope to repeat sometime more articulately), a chat with the thoroughly entertaining Ira, and a brief but appreciated Thank You exchange with Daniel. I have to say that this has officially made it into my top 10 life moments. They were humble and conversational, so easy to approach and talk to.On top of all that I had a chance to say hi to Alex Church of Sea Wolf on my way out. It was an excellent way to round out one of my favorite nights of 2008.
If you haven't had a chance to check out Nada Surf and Sea Wolf I encourage you to do so! Here is a little sampling below.
