'Indifferent' to Nada Surf

Nada Surf will always remind me of youthful, carefree days — which, as it seems to be, is precisely the way the band wants to be heard with its latest project, “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy.”

Bursting onto the scene with the awkward tune “Popular” in 1996, Nada Surf evolved from spewing angsty post-grunge to embracing a more mainstream, heartfelt sound.

“Stars” seems to be a recollection of the band’s past, as it seeks to meld grunge and ballad into a cohesive series. Opening with the smashing of drums, the album softens in the middle with song titles such as “When I Was Young” and “Teenage Dreams.” It is these songs, explicitly named to reveal the album’s theme and motive, that shine.

In the middle of the album, Matthew Caws croons, “I cannot believe the future’s happening to me,” which speaks a lot for band members who have kept true to their wide-eyed view of life, love and heartbreak throughout the years.

“Stars” is typical Nada Surf fare; the style is expected and in no way outstanding. But after the band released an album of only covers in 2008, the least we can do is welcome it back with open arms.