Listen Through the Static

If you weren't familiar with the Nadas' music and took a gander at the cover of their seventh release overall, 2005's Listen Through the Static, you may be fooled into believing that they're either a DJ collective or a retro rock outfit. After all, there is clearly a pile of well-worn vinyl album covers neatly stacked one on top of another, as well as what appears to be some sort of ancient recording equipment (or a record player). But don't be fooled, upon further inspection the Iowa-based band is cut from the same melodic roots rock cloth as such chart-toppers of yesteryear as Fastball and the Gin Blossoms. Despite earning critical raves and building a large cult following, the band refuses to play the "major-label game," as they continue to roll merrily along, issuing albums via their own label, Authentic Records. The opening title track is one of the album's more upbeat selections, as it appears as though the group is most comfortable with either mid-tempos ("The Deal" and "California III") or sparse ditties ("Templeton Rye" and "Love Divided"). The Nadas carved out their niche years ago, and they admirably continue to stick to their guns (from both business and artistic standpoints).