New Yorkers Thurston Moore (vocals, guitar), Kim Gordon (vocals, bass, guitar), Lee Ranaldo (vocals, guitar), Steve Shelley (bass) and Mark Ibold (drums) of Sonic Youth have come from the past into the present to see how they have paved the way for the current music scene. Whether they be labeled alternative rock, no wave, or indie rock, they have redefined music for all ages, whether music buffs admit it or not.

Sonic Youth played one of the last regional dates on their Eternal tour presented by 89.9 KCRW Saturday at the Wiltern. The show was sold out, with an original date on the ticket as Sept. 29, 2009.   After Sic Alps opened, Sonic Youth came on at 9 p.m. Thurston lackadaisically walked on stage as if he were part of the stage crew, but he then strummed some notes to “Antenna,” which made the room glow with euphoria and nostalgia. “No Way” had its punkish way with the audience, causing the lights to flicker and brain waves to scintillate. “Sacred Trickster” put the show on the road as even the lights tuned in to the beats. Sonic Youth performed other songs off their sixteenth and latest album under Matador Records, The Eternal. Meanwhile, the fans were tentatively watching, smoking weed, or drinking beer. “Leaky Lifeboat” was dedicated to L.A. Poets, and from there they continued playing amidst a backdrop of burned paper-like art imitating life. Ranaldo, who had broken his wrist from tennis, was now able to have his part during “Walkin’ Blue.” After giving the audience their money and time’s worth, Sonic Youth traveled back to the ’80s and ’90s, finishing with two encore performances. Overall, the SY aficionados couldn’t have had a better 90 minutes experiencing the dissonant and merrymaking immortal musicians. Even though they are sonic and middle aged, their music will live on eternally. Overrated or underrated, Sonic Youth will continue to have sold out shows without selling out.

—Katrina Guevara (words + photo)