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Sonic Youth: The Eternal

Sonic Youth: The Eternal

Alternative Rock
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Matador Records
www.sonicyouth.com
www.myspace.com/sonicyouth
Review: Ethan Hartranft,  06.21.2009

Thirty years isn't as long as it used to be but one might expect people to see the irony in a new Sonic Youth album. However, the band is back for another outing (this time on a new label) and still changing the Sonic Youth formula. As soon as the first track plays, any doubts of the Sonic Youth 's legitimacy as a real rock band are blown to bits. Everything that made the band great is on display in The Eternal including Moore and Ranaldo's crazy tunings and more exploration of guitar effects. On the note of unconventional ways of playing a guitar, I believe only two people have done it right, Thurston Moore and Tom Morello. Bass is also very prevalent on the album. 'The Eternal' is a rock album through and through and fans wouldn't have it any other way.

'Sacred Trickster', the first song, is an amazing example of a stereotypical Sonic Youth song. Distorted chords and disjointed riffs abound. The next song, 'Anti-Orgasm' blew me away. The two distinct vocals are utilized here to great effect. Drumming is also great as well as the use of guitar effects. I have no idea what the song is about but it is quite awesome. Further along, 'Antenna' and 'What We Know' both have great guitar solos. Also, he rhythm section really shines in 'What We Know'. Other standouts on the album include 'No Way' for it's popish structure and amazing guitar work and 'Massage the History' for it's vocals and the beautiful way it finishes the album.

The Eternal is a rock album. For a Sonic Youth album it delivers everything you would expect and then some. Even after almost 30 year the Sonic Youth still know how to write great songs. Great for any fan of alternative rock.

In Short

The Eternal is a rock album. For a Sonic Youth album it delivers everything you would expect and then some. Even after almost 30 year the Sonic Youth still know how to write great songs.

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