By The Fire

Album review

“Nine songs of enlightenment, released to a world on fire”: that’s how Thurston Moore described his album By The Fire. It might sound a bit over the top. Though by the time you reach the end of the record, it sounds like an understatement. He could have gone as far as “songs that will restore your faith in rock, and possibly even the world”. We’ve been here before though. Thurston Moore is the former Sonic Youth singer/guitarist and his seventh album By The Fire is the closest thing yet to his old band’s dissonant genius. Sometimes, it exceeds it. It’s a long album that stretches 9 tracks into almost 90 minutes. Though it flashes by like a lightning bolt. Thurston Moore is like an alchemist. Or a musical encyclopaedist. His music puts you in a trance, altering your perception of time and space. All his experience is brought to the fore in this record: whirling guitars, thumping post-punk rhythms, soothing pop melodies, free jazz that sends you insane. And that special touch of something indescribable – the very best part. Listen to the record at a high volume (go on, turn it up even higher) and the music becomes even more fascinating, revealing the slightest details and touches. The album transforms anxiety and pain (yes, this music can damage your ears) into pleasure and energy. At the age of 60, Thurston Moore plays like a 20-year-old and paves a new way for rock. Eternal sonic youth. © Stéphane Deschamps/Qobuz