By MAX ASAYESH-BROWN, St. Petersburg High

I feel the slightest amount of pity for all the indie bands out there that so diligently strive to achieve the mellow, colorful tunes that Nada Surf nails and fall flat on their faces. They often end up sounding too repetitive, too precious, too desperate. In contrast, Nada Surf realizes the exact goal they set for themselves with The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy.

Clear Eye Clouded Mind, the opening track, is not enough to give the listener an accurate idea of the rest of the album, because while occasionally some of the songs individually sink into ruts, the better part oscillates in style.

Clear Eye employs fast-paced guitar and vocals positioned like many successful artists in the genre, then takes a different turn with songs such as When I Was Young, a slow, acoustic song without many elements.

Jules and Jim is perhaps one of the most popular strains associated with Nada Surf. But as far as I’m concerned, this song is where the band’s weakness starts to show its pygmy face. Matthew Caws’ voice flies too close to the sun and turns into a whiny falsetto. This and The Moon Is Calling are the pitfalls that might as well go have lunch with Radio Disney.

So forget those snags and set Spotify to Teenage Dreams and its upright brethren. Focus on, and be content with, the catchy guitar riffs in Looking Through.

The best thing Nada Surf has going for them is that the music of The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy is precisely what it’s supposed to be. You don’t expect a whole lot of creativity and innovation, because it’s not totally needed.

Grade: ****, 4/5 asterisks