THE SONICS – HERE ARE THE SONICS (1965)
In the mid-1960s, psychedelia and rock n’ roll began to get even more straightforward forms. Washington’s The Sonics found a straighter path to bring it out. The band covered blues and rock n ‘roll classics with a sharper touch, but also made their own songs.
Rough and simple riffs and songs played with more attitude than skill took the music quite high. The recordings were handled roughly live. Drums with one mic. The drum sound is one of the things that determining the band. For example, Kurt Cobain has stated the following: ”I, I have to admit… The Sonics recorded very, very cheaply on a two track you know, and they just used one microphone over the drums, and they got the most amazing drum sound I’ve ever heard. Still to this day, it’s still my favourite drum sound. It sounds like he’s hitting harder than anyone I’ve ever known.”
Many bands have mentioned The Sonics, when asking about their influence. The most well-known ones are Bruce Springsteen and Nirvana. Both have also covered the band.
The effect on metal will surely be through the grunge or, alternatively, the path through the punk. Riffs, fierce clamor and uncompromising attitude – They gets far!
The sample album Here Are The Sonics (1965) is a mixture of their own and the cover songs, which is passed through a grunge / punk screen. The Sonics’ own influences don’t need to look further than this song list.
As a video example, this time, comeback recording. The attitude still lives on.
Kuva: apessimistisneverdisappointed.com