From the abrasive edges of old Sonic Youth albums came a kind of calm at times. The louder songs could dissolve into noise even as they spread out in a melodic sense. Something similar happens here in the four tracks that make up In Virus Times, the new release from Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth.
Recorded last year during lockdown, the release has a dissipated bliss running through it. Part 1, with its whistles, suggests a person killing time, with Ranaldo's acoustic guitar offering up figures fast, nervous, and resigned. Part 2 connects via slightly aggressive runs with Part 3 where the chords are harsh, clanging even. Here, we feel the ticking of time, the oppressive nature of lives put on hold because of a modern plague and those who through their unwillingness to follow guidelines, perpetuate the plague. Things are stark on In Virus Times, with a finality that's striking given how simple the instrumentation is. Part 4 wraps things up with the strongest, though simplest melody here, and drives it forward with a sense of purpose, or inevitability. The power of In Virus Times is in the tension between the basic pieces, and force of the choices of chords or methods of achieving the sounds. Highly recommended.
In Virus Times is out via Mute on Friday.
More details on Lee Ranaldo via the official website.
[Photo: Leah Singer]