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Moshe · 05.17.2009, 12:22 AM

http://www.adatez.com:80/8277/review...onic-youth.htm

Sonic Youth: The Eternal Date Posted: Sat, 16 May 2009 | By: Josh DaNewYork

The Eternal

After years on Geffen Records, Sonic Youth return to an indie label with their sixteenth studio album. "The Eternal" is a supercharged rocker, recalling aspects of the Evol-Sister-Daydream Nation holy trinity, but with cleaner, louder production and more straightforward momentum. With Pavement's Mark Ibold joining on bass, and producer John Agnello back at the controls, "The Eternal" takes the melodic songwriting of 2006's "Rather Ripped" and slams down the accelerator pedal. Opening track ‘Sacred Trickster’ is driven by snarling guitars courtesy of Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo. Sure, it might contain references to Yves Klein and Noise Nomads – whoever the hell they are – but above all the track rocks. Not in a Bon Jovi, fists in the air kinda way, but in a Fugazi style: all sweat, blood and conviction before stuttering to a halt after little more than two minutes.

With their ongoing SYR project allowing boundless sonic exploration, Sonic Youth seem to be filtering their more experimental passages out in favour of a hardcore matinee on their albums ‘proper’. Ultimately, The Eternal acts as a fitting and timeless aide-mémoire of everything this mighty band has ever achieved. By soaking the record with a sweaty aphrodisia they have made it amazing fun not just for us but for themselves. There's melody, noise, desire and reflection, but it never over-indulges in any of its vices.

Even if these iconic mentors are approaching senior status, The Eternal is living proof that youthfulness is just a state of mind, and by continuing to capitalise on one of most welcome U-turns in recent music history, Sonic Youth are now a band we can love, and not merely admire.

05.17.2009, 12:22 AM	#7
Moshe Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 5,928	http://www.adatez.com:80/8277/review...onic-youth.htm Sonic Youth: The Eternal Date Posted: Sat, 16 May 2009 \| By: Josh DaNewYork The Eternal After years on Geffen Records, Sonic Youth return to an indie label with their sixteenth studio album. "The Eternal" is a supercharged rocker, recalling aspects of the Evol-Sister-Daydream Nation holy trinity, but with cleaner, louder production and more straightforward momentum. With Pavement's Mark Ibold joining on bass, and producer John Agnello back at the controls, "The Eternal" takes the melodic songwriting of 2006's "Rather Ripped" and slams down the accelerator pedal. Opening track ‘Sacred Trickster’ is driven by snarling guitars courtesy of Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo. Sure, it might contain references to Yves Klein and Noise Nomads – whoever the hell they are – but above all the track rocks. Not in a Bon Jovi, fists in the air kinda way, but in a Fugazi style: all sweat, blood and conviction before stuttering to a halt after little more than two minutes. With their ongoing SYR project allowing boundless sonic exploration, Sonic Youth seem to be filtering their more experimental passages out in favour of a hardcore matinee on their albums ‘proper’. Ultimately, The Eternal acts as a fitting and timeless aide-mémoire of everything this mighty band has ever achieved. By soaking the record with a sweaty aphrodisia they have made it amazing fun not just for us but for themselves. There's melody, noise, desire and reflection, but it never over-indulges in any of its vices. Even if these iconic mentors are approaching senior status, The Eternal is living proof that youthfulness is just a state of mind, and by continuing to capitalise on one of most welcome U-turns in recent music history, Sonic Youth are now a band we can love, and not merely admire.
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