AWmusic

Twenty eight years into the band’s career, Sonic Youth once again find themselves on an independent label. Working with Matador Records, the release of their sixteenth album “The Eternal” heralds a continuation of their return to form since 2002’s “Murray Street”. The Eternal reflects on the musical themes expressed during their time with Geffen and is the hardest rock performance from them since “Sister”.

The record summarizes almost all of their previous work in many forms over the past thirty years, from psychedelic guitar riffs, extended jams, grunge, and post punk starting with the opening track “Sacred Trickster”. The abrasive fast punk riffs clock in at a short 2m 11s but channel a metal edge and levitating melody. “Anti-Orgasm” has what has already been mentioned several times by other critics – pretentious lyrics. However, it exemplifies the new philosophy SY has with loud guitars and detuned riffs as Gordon yells “Not your sex slave – will you behave”. The visceral and expansive tracks of Ronaldo’s “Antenna” and “What we Know” feel very much like the evolving concise guitar sections of old.

While the flow of The Eternal is far from seamless as seen in other releases, it does feel quite balanced. Latter half tracks such as “Malibu Gas Station” and “Walkin Blue” etch in subtlety but last in cognizance. These attributes lead to what can be called the sleeper hit of the album “Massage the History”. The interplay between the vast melody and subtle lyrics create a drowned atmosphere.

Sonic Youth have become accustomed to their sound and back catalogue and while it may not sound as experimental as “NYC Ghosts and Flowers”, it does deliver with an impressive compilation. The album hits the many finer points of quality and consistency you’ve come to expect from the band. There is an ever present feel of an “it’s been done before” piece throughout the duration, yet, as with many of their previous albums it will be something that will grow on you. Their music has always reflected the bridge between the generations they’ve spanned. The Eternal proves that it is much less an album title and much more of an evocative testament to their near thirty year career.

MP3:

Sonic Youth – Antenna

Sonic Youth – Massage the History

Buy at:

SonicYouth.com – kungfu store / iTunes

More info:

SonicYouth.com / SY News / last.fm / Twitter

Tags: album