"The King has come to join the band", later on in 'Speak to the Wild' we get, "The King has come to leave the band". A passing glance at a decades spanning stint in one of the world's great bands Sonic Youth or, as this album drips in the tone, rhythm and depth of a Sonic Youth album, the start of the road to redemption or at least a reunion tour?
To be honest unlike some, I have been really impressed and enjoyed Thurston Moore's post Sonic Youth output and 'The Best Day' is his strongest yet. A new band in tow that includes Sonic Youth's drummer Steve Shelley, My Bloody Valentine bassist Debbie Googe, and guitarist James Sedwards of UK trio Nought, this an excellent debut for this particular four piece.
The aforementioned 'Speak to the Wild' kicks off the album and features the fiery edged spirit of Thurston's trademark guitar and the eleven plus minutes of the second track, 'Forevermore' is pure aggressive grunge.
The album changes pace and style via 'Tape' and expands in the heart of the record to fully immerse the listener into their own sonic world. The instrumental 'Grace Lake' would charm any Mogwai LP and the album winds up on the eighth track as it starts; in full electric flow with 'Gems Burn'.
The band have already been on the road this autumn, let's hope there's more to come in 2015 which must be a pretty sure bet because none of the members of Sonic Youth have yet to take a sabbatical since the band went on hiatus!
Pete
10/11
1. Speak to the Wild
2. Forevermore
3. Tape
4. The Best Day
5. Detonation
6. Vocabularies
7. Grace Lake
8. Germs Burn