How does one go about writing something new about Sonic Youth, possibly the most name – dropped indie band of all time? This was a question that I was asking myself as I headed downtown to the Commodore Ballroom on July 13, to witness the group. Sonic Youth is a band before my time, better known to the college students of the 80’s and 90’s. I decided to use my unfamiliarity with the band to my advantage, with a unique preparation for the show. That is, I did nothing, purposefully avoiding taking in Sonic Youth recordings or reviews. I wanted this to be a beginners look at the band, from the eyes of a new generation of music fans, now on a diet of Franz Ferdinand and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Don’t look to me if you want a setlist, of a history of Sonic Youth. What I’m offering is a snapshot of a band old by industry standards, in a fiercely competitive young indie scene. So how does the modern Sonic Youth stack up against rock’s new heroes? Let’s find out.

I arrived at the Commodore already sweating from a scorching Vancouver day, having already missed the opening act Wolf Eyes. Even without a true understanding of the legendary status of Sonic Youth, their reputation preceded me. Literally, that is, because even before I could see the stage, I could hear the cheers of the large crowd as the band members were filtering on stage. After a few minutes of mousse and feedback from the group, guitarist/bassist/singer/trumpeter Kim stepped up to the mic and began in earnest.

From the start, it was evident that there was almost a reverence from the crowd for the band, and its songs. Rather a religious experience in music; I found myself drawn in instantly. Whereas it normally takes repeated listens of a given art rock recording, I was captured by the performance of Sonic Youth immediately. They are, by this point, and band that seems to know exactly what they are doing, and exactly the atmosphere they want to create. Each noise and click was meticulously created, but the group still seemed happy to be performing songs that they must have done thousands of times over.

Interestingly, I found myself hearing parts of almost every group that I listen to now embedded in the music. Perhaps a testament to the influence of the group, that is has a reach far beyond just the fans. It has become a stepping stone for rock, giving a base which countless bands since have built up on. Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame doesn’t seem so original now that I have seen Kim twirl on stage. A highlight for me, and it seemed many others, was one of the few songs I recognized, Bull in the Heather. Most of the evening was spent on music of the noisier variety, with melody playing mostly a backup role.

It’s impossible to separate the music of Sonic Youth from its history, but I would say that if they were a new band, they would be simply one indie group among many. Many of the ideas that seemed so fresh when Sonic Youth came into the music scene have now been copied by other rock bands, leaving Sonic Youth with a signature sound that isn’t so unique anymore. The allure of the group comes from its polished performances however, and a longevity that is very rare in the cut throat independent music scene. I, for one, am now a convert, and will explore the treasures of past Sonic Youth recordings now that my eyes have been opened.

Elsewhere

By Rob Anand
Photos : Andy Scheffler
Published : February, 2005.