Sonic Youth - The Eternal (2009)

From independent to major labels, it's safe to say that Sonic Youth have been around the block once or twice.

But for the first time, in almost two decades, they have released a truly independent album in the form of "The Eternal".

Ending their contract with Geffen after the release of their last full length LP (2006s "Rather Ripped") they signed with another indie label, in Matador.

Guitarist and vocalist Thurston Moore claims their last four of five albums have been "compromised by that situation" (ie; major label).

Perhaps Sonic Youth were under less pressure with Matador, maybe they had more creative control, but whatever it was, it has lead Sonic Youth to produce their finest release in many a year.

In fact, "The Eternal" sees more energy and vitality in Sonic Youth than almost anything they have done before.

"I have been waiting, waiting for our contract to be up. I want to make our most killer rock and roll album", Thurston told Blender magazine.

And what a rock and roll album it is.

In this latest release, Sonic Youth revisit some of the elements they have experimented with over the years – lengthy guitar jams and heavy riffs, but with that clean, crisp guitar sound they are well known for.

Thurston, Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo share vocal responsibilities, with one of the stand out track from the album, Anti-Orgasm (featuring a great back and forth from Thurston and Kim) charged with hard-edged guitars and sexual energy.

"Penetration/destroys the body/ violation / of the cosmic body / do you under / stand the problem/ anti-war/ is anti orgasm"

Other notable tracks include the near ten minute closer, Massage the History, which takes on a more sombre sound.

Kim's broken and distraught vocals fadeout into instrumental bliss, but not before the other eleven tracks have shown you exactly why Sonic Youth have a fixated place in rock history.

The only critique is that Sonic Youth’s riffs seem to repeat themselves over throughout "The Eternal", with almost as much borrowed from their prior releases.

We will spare you the obligatory "Daydream Nation" comparison, but as it is, "The Eternal" somewhat lacks depth. Even though it makes up for it in spirit, "The Eternal" has sadly little chance to create the kind of impact earlier releases have acquired.

With most Sonic Youth members well in their 50s, the energy in this album is very admirable. There are quite a few "sonic fountain of eternal youth" puns that can be made here, but "The Eternal" deserves better than a slightly amusing play on words.

It is a mix of grimy, garage rock, all whilst being a more polished artsy venture.

And while some may argue Sonic Youth have lost it, they have still produced one of the more vital sounding albums of 2009 that is well worth a listen.

RATING: 3 out of 5

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