It's not always necessary to make a grand, defiant personal statement in order to 'stick it to the man'; sometimes, as the bicycle-pedaling protagonist proves in the video for Nada Surf's new single, "Whose Authority," a series of quiet victories during an ordinary day is more than enough. The video, directed by Jonathan Krisel, follows a courier cycling his way through the streets of New York City, delivering packages (see if you can spot lead singer Matthew Caws' cameo as a delivery recipient) but also taking in his own simple pleasures -- tapping on the sides of passing cars, talking to fellow cyclists, knocking over traffic cones, and even stopping to gaze at a magazine, which is aptly titled Daydream.

The tale is a perfect compliment to Nada Surf's brand of uplifting indie rock, complete with huge, harmonized ahhs and tinkling bells as Caws defiantly states, "On whose authority / I have none over me / On whose authority / No one speaks to me." Even from 9 to 5, it's possible to be rebellious -- no matter how small the actions are. Nada Surf's fifth record, Lucky, drops Feb. 5 on Barsuk. 

Now Watch This: Nada Surf - "Whose Authority" QUICKTIME

On the Web:
nadasurf.com

Talk: Whose authority do you answer to?