Downtown San Diego enjoyed a Tuesday night treat last week when Nada Surf visited the House of Blues. Sea Wolf kicked off the evening with an awesome opening performance; their soulful yet high-tempo sound showed shades of Bright Eyes and Arcade Fire. The band’s instrumental index featured a cello, xylophone, tambourine and one object I honestly had never seen before (it operated kind of like a typewriter but produced a reverberating twang). Strong vocals and a diverse array of songs combined for a hugely enjoyable show.

Nada Surf played for about 100 minutes, which allowed plenty of time for new songs and old favorites. “Popular” and “Always Love,” the band’s most well-known songs, predictably received the biggest reaction from the crowd. Singer Matthew Caws donned a top hat for the entire show, a goofy touch that complemented his playful banter with the audience. He mused that “Fruitfly” came about from leaving leftovers out too long. The dreadlocked bassist was also affable, enjoying no fewer than four cigarettes onstage — sometimes while singing backup!

Caws was delighted when the crowd indulged his requests for choreographed dances and sing-alongs. During “Inside of Love,” the crowd executed a simple two-step and clap that actually looked pretty cool when done en masse (I was in the balcony, so I had a bird’s eye view). The best moment of audience participation, however, came during “Blankest Year” when the lights went up every time the crowd screamed “F— it!” during the chorus.

Other highlights included the haunting “Killian’s Red,” which was played as the stage was bathed in red lights. Caws himself claimed a special affinity for “Do It Again,” one of my personal favorites. During the encore, I was also delighted to hear “Blonde on Blonde,” a mesmerizing song from the group’s 2003 album, Let Go.

The show culminated in a wild group dance after Caws beckoned fans onstage. The band continued to jam as fans bounced around. One particularly exuberant (and large … and probably intoxicated) fan actually wrapped his arms around Caws and lifted him in the air. He went on to greet/maul every other member of the band, to the immense amusement of the balcony crowd. The energetic show was nada disappointment.

Check out all of Goebz’s uploads at yourhere.mtv.com…

Want to see your photos and concert reviews here? Register at yourhere.mtv.com and start uploading!