Nada Surf w/ Rogue Wave – Scala, London 21/02/2008

Nada Surf and Rogue Wave may represent similar genres in their classing, but each represent different stages in their careers. Nada Surf have been known for some time, Rogue Wave are only just starting to surface their heads. Pretending I didn’t know this, it still stood out like a sore thumb.

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Rogue Wave’s rejuvenated energy, born from a recent string of unfortunate events for each member of the band, shone from the off. Opening the set with ‘Every Moment’, they had the packed Scala crowd, largely dedicated to Nada Surf, toe tapping with instant excitement for songs not previously heard. Tracks ‘Lullaby’ and ‘Like I Needed’ (ready to be released in the UK in May on new album Asleep at Heaven’s Gate) induced a buzz and sucked the crowd in. The now five-piece band (with Dominic East added on Keyboard) seem to have become more suitable to the larger venue with a growing sound.

The show was made personal; something you don’t often see so much with support acts, given the short time slots. Banter from both the band and crowd was quick, at one point requesting a display of drummer Pat Spurgeon’s recently replaced kidney. He tried, but the crowd couldn’t quite see up the skinny jeans he had directed them up! By the time the upbeat and finest track of the night ‘Chicago X 12’, the crowd were in full swing. The additional percussion (East), guitar sliding and most importantly: band cohesiveness, gives them such an enjoyable sound, even live where their impressive lyrics don’t feature quite as much. The excitement of ‘wanting’ people to listen, rather than “if you want to” is their feeling regarding the new albums release in the UK and it’s justified. Zach Rogue’s facial expression told all.

Rogue Wave had laid down an unexpected challenge to their hosts for favour of the crowd. With Nada Surf’s set starting with a mumbling of words, a sound fault and a restarting of the opening song ‘Hi Speed’ it was anything but. I thought for a while throwing in the towel may have been the better option. But with tracks from new album Lucky and a return to their electric sound they fought back strongly in the latter rounds, but still, it was hardly a knockout.

‘Ice on the Wing’ was the warm up before ‘Inside Love’ got the crowd swaying (with a little instruction from Matthew Caws on vocals) and that kept the crowd involved through the sing along classic ‘Blizzard of 77′. But as can happen to a band of such age, the step back to previous tracks such as ‘Do It Again’ and ‘Stalemate’ seemed a little too far and self-explanatory. For me, ‘See These Bones’ was the clear highlight of an ‘OK’ set, long-standing fans of the band reacted to the song like a shot of adrenaline in Uma Thurman’s heart. With a four month tour of America and Europe coming up they will have to pick up their game or grab some adrenaline themselves if they’re going to last the rounds, this was only there second night. A bit more energy from all three, and it could be a great success amongst the avid.

The comparison of the two names summed up the night really: Surfing can be great, but only with the Waves it can give you the edge you wanted.

Links
Rogue Wave [myspace]
Nada Surf [myspace] [interview] [album review]