Nada Surf’s latest offering, “If I had a hi-fi“ (a palindrome in case you didn’t notice), provides a fairly enjoyable look into some of the band’s influences. Due for release on June 8th, this is an album of cover songs originally performed by popular bands such as Depeche Mode and Spoon, as well as more obscure artists such as Coraline Clement, and The Soft Pillows.

Songs on the CD range from mellow, orchestral accompanied songs, to heavily distorted rock tunes. Thematically all songs revolve around content that Nada Surf? handles best, love. As with most of the trio’s discography, this album is inconsistent overall but when the guys are on, they truly nail it.

The first song Nada Surf handles is "Electrocution" by Bill Fox, guitarist of the Cleveland band The Mice. The song’s not a surprising pick, as it seems that Bill Fox’s songwriting was a major influence on Nada. Had this not been a cover album I would have pegged this as an original. It is given a firm reworking with a much more full sound. In fact it appears as if Nada Surf found the Bill Fox demo and made it a finished product. It does however lack the charm of the original. Much like an early Velvet Underground song, the poor recording quality is a huge part of the appeal.

Probably the most recognizable cover on the CD is "Enjoy the Silence" (Depeche Mode). This is one of those fun 90’s hits that almost every band loves, and feels the need to remake to show their appreciation. Realistically, the essence of the original is rarely captured. This case is no different. Fairly lack-luster, it’s missing the depth and complexity that made the original version a hit.

With songs such as "Love goes on" (The Go Betweens), Love and Anger (Kate Bush), and "You were so warm" (Dwight Twilley) vocals are near identical to the original. The biggest change is the Nada Surf style bass lines. They are punchier and more melodic than the original. "Questions" by Moody Blues gets a firm kick in the ass when Nada Surf turns up the distortion and tempo. Solid, fun covers for sure.

The band Soft Pack from San Diego, just released their first album this year. Mathew Caws (singer – Nada Surf) caught their act at New York’s Bowery Ballroom last year and proclaimed “We would have played this song when we were 16 if it had existed then”. In a show of admiration, Nada Surf covers Soft Pack’s song "Bright Side". I remembered what I was going to say (The Soft Pillows) – is an instrumental cover of Mathew’s sister Hillary and her husband Jonathan’s very obscure band. So obscure in fact, it was only made available on cassette so there is nothing to compare this too. After listening, I don’t mind missing out on the original.

"Janine" by Arthur Rusell is a surprise gem, but still falls short. Arthur Russell collaborated with artists from David Bryne to Philip Glass but never really achieved commercial success on his own before passing away in 1992. The original is 2 minutes and 9 seconds yet Nada Surf covers "Janine" in half the time. The result is a well-crafted cover that leaves the listener wondering what happened to the rest of the song.

Agony of Lafitte (Spoon) is possibly the most unexpected cover on the album. Unlike the treatment Nada gives most of these songs, they choose to take this downtempo, EP only Spoon song, and turn it into a fun upbeat pop tune. While I don’t think this will make most hardcore Spoon fans flock to Nada Surf, it may make them give a second chance to a band that has been inconsistent at best since it’s inception in 1992.

What could be fancier on an American Rock n’ Roll album than some French singing? Nothing! Apparently Nada felt the same way so they covered their personal friend Caoline Clement’s "Bye Bye Beaute". Oh, I should mention that fancy does not equal good. Maybe I am just jaded because I don’t speak French. Continuing with their international trip, Caw and clan cover "Evolucion" (Mercromina). Until listening to this album and locating the original song by Mecromina, I was completely unaware of this Latin version of Nada Surf! In an ironic twist, this band is probably their closest counterpart sound wise. Nada turns this song into a slow uninspired mess. Coming in at 5 min. 11 sec, it secures the listener just enough time to grab a quick nap before the albums last song.

If I had a hi-fi is not by any means Nada Surf’s career defining album. It’s an album for fans that already love Nada Surf and want to learn more about what makes the band tick. As a long time admirer of Nada, “Let Go” or “This Weight is a Gift” are far superior but while waiting for the next original album, this is a adequate time passer.