Description
#sonicyouth #vinyl #vinylrecords
Step into the groundbreaking world of Sonic Youth as they embark on a transformative journey with their third studio album, “EVOL.” Originally released in May 1986 on SST Records, this album marks a pivotal moment for the band as they venture beyond their no wave roots and embrace a greater alternative rock sensibility. Critics and fans alike recognize “EVOL” as the true departure point that propelled Sonic Youth’s musical evolution to new heights.
Pitchfork hails “EVOL” as a groundbreaking album that signifies Sonic Youth’s remarkable growth. Ranked at #31 on Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of The 1980s, it showcases Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo’s ability to shape the formless, infuse melody into the tuneless, and blend dissonance with composition. Supported by Steve Shelley’s dynamic drumming, Sonic Youth skillfully imposes structure and melody onto their trademark dissonant sound.
Stereogum echoes the acclaim for “EVOL,” describing it as an album filled with suspense and serving as the cornerstone of the Sonic Youth sound. It is ground zero for the unique combination of chiming guitars and atonal skronk, resulting in a captivating blend of muggy delirium. The virile and haunting “Tom Violence” emerges from a cauldron of sonic experimentation, its ethereal quality leaving a lasting impression. The off-kilter and droning love song, “Starpower,” showcases Kim Gordon’s frosty monotone, evoking shades of Nico. Meanwhile, “In The Kingdom #19,” featuring the bass work of Mike Watt and Ranaldo’s poignant vocals, presents a harrowing tale of a highway wreck accompanied by an edgy instrumental backdrop punctuated by the explosive crackle of live firecrackers in the vocal booth.
Join us as we delve into the mesmerizing sonic landscape of “EVOL,” an album that showcases Sonic Youth’s fearless exploration and boundary-pushing creativity. Experience the fusion of dissonance, melody, and unconventional song structures that define Sonic Youth’s signature sound. “EVOL” stands as a testament to the band’s artistic growth and remains an enduring masterpiece that shaped the course of alternative rock.
