The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
by Nada Surf
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Jan 24, 2012
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. AllMusic
    Jan 25, 2012
    80
    Like the title suggests, Stars burns bright and fast.
  2. Q Magazine
    Jan 18, 2012
    80
    Fizzing with memorable melodies, irrepressible energy and Matthew Caw's heartfelt vocals, this 38-minute set doesn't have a wasted moment on it. [Feb. 2012, p.108]
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  3. Alternative Press
    Jan 18, 2012
    80
    Nada Surf's blend of melancholy, anxiety and child-like optimism is fully intact on their first collection of original material in four years. [Feb 2012, p.84]
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  5. Paste Magazine
    Jan 17, 2012
    80
    10 songs, no filler, that won't necessarily knock you out of your seat, but rather leave you wanting to lean back and stay a while.
  6. No Ripcord
    Jan 17, 2012
    80
    The vocal hooks and catchy choruses that have brought Nada Surf this far have only gotten better.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Jan 24, 2012
    75
    The Stars is a reliably crisp, tuneful addition [to their consistent indie-rock discography], all racing snare hits, taut power chords, and Caws' emotive tenor.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    Jan 20, 2012
    75
    [It has] ringing guitar hooks and winsome nostalgia. [27 Jan 2012, p.71]
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  9. Filter
    Jan 25, 2012
    74
    It's thankfully not an album of covers, and thus a wonderful return.
  10. cokemachineglow
    Jan 30, 2012
    72
    Nada Surf have not reached outside their comfort zone with The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy.
  11. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    70
    Not exactly champion wordsmiths, then, but the ebulliently heart-warming rush of the tunes is reason enough to forgive any clunkers.
  12. Consequence
    Jan 26, 2012
    70
    The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy could be the comeback for a band who deserves to be recognized as something much more than a mid-'90s punchline.
  13. Blurt Magazine
    Jan 24, 2012
    70
    A good rock record is a good rock record, and The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy is a good rock record.
  14. BBC Music
    Jan 20, 2012
    70
    The component parts of this record prove that indie rock may be 'dying' commercially but still sounds alive and kicking.
  15. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 19, 2012
    70
    These ten mostly filler-free tracks prove, Nada Surf only look to be growing more confident in their old age.
  16. Clash Music
    Jan 18, 2012
    70
    It's hard to resist.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. ryanlewiz
    Jan 24, 2012
    10
    Many of these critics appear to be burnt out on the fact that from beginning to end of EVERY album Nada Surf have created are nothing short ofMany of these critics appear to be burnt out on the fact that from beginning to end of EVERY album Nada Surf have created are nothing short of filler-less 100% quality. I personally don't begin to gradually degrade my opinion of a band album after album just because they stuck to the style of music they have perfected. At the same time, they aren't Nine Inch Nails (and no one ever will be. Trent always switching up the style and doing so with such brilliance) so yeah, there is a formula but plenty of variations to make this beautiful record highly enjoyable.… Full Review »
  2. wl8291
    Jul 5, 2015
    5
    Though I would say that this album is pretty easy to listen to, it would appear that Nada Surf is indifferent to songwriting the same way theThough I would say that this album is pretty easy to listen to, it would appear that Nada Surf is indifferent to songwriting the same way the stars are apparently indifferent to astronomy. This album felt very empty and uninspired to me... which makes me think they are identifying as pop music again? Perhaps that is why this album has been less "Popular" than ones that have come before. (Zing!)… Full Review »
  3. ambyda
    Dec 22, 2012
    7
    This album makes me happy but it doesn't really stand out, nothing generally ground breaking. I am somewhat new to Nada Surf and I'm curiousThis album makes me happy but it doesn't really stand out, nothing generally ground breaking. I am somewhat new to Nada Surf and I'm curious if they will stand up to years of listening.… Full Review »
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