Nada Surf

On 2002's Let Go, Nada Surf's Matthew Caws wanted "to know what it's like on the inside of love." On his act's latest effort, The Weight Is a Gift, it sounds like he's spent much of the past three years on the inside -- and it hasn't been all sunshine and flowers. From firing the leading lady in his life ("What Is Your Secret?") to musing "I saw life turn into a TV showŠ The person I knew I didn't really know" ("Blankest Year"), Caws obviously endured his share of turbulence. Pure pop gems like "Imaginary Friends" break up the melancholy, but the album's darker cuts ("Comes a Time," "Your Legs Grow") are its best, when moody melody and chill-inducing harmonies leave you heavy-hearted and profoundly satisfied. The only thing separating Weight from perfection is the inconsistency of Caws's lyrics, which can go from sparkling and enigmatic and thought-provoking to movie-of-the-week cliche in the same verse. Still, Nada fans -- save the misguided few holding their breath for a redux of "Popular," the 1996 chart-topper that launched the band's career -- will be pleased with their Gift.