I totally agree with your assessment of their show opening for Nada Surf. It was just too much for them. I'd love to see them in a place like Blue Moon but that'll never happen. I saw Alex's first show ever with what would become Sea Wolf at the Silver Lake Lounge about 5 years ago now and although they've lost a bit of the charm from that night (toy pianos and decorative lamps) the songs still hold up and that's the most important thing.