They’re still the gold standard for controlled chaos using as few material elements as possible, while still being something your dad might call “too busy”.
A multi-faceted and especially curious collection of Lightning Bolt material, Sonic Citadel shows the band still growing and developing nearly a quarter century in.
There is restraint here, an alien concept for a band of Lightning Bolt’s usual undiluted abandon, but there is also the gleeful harshness which makes them such a force of the underground music scene.
With Sonic Citadel, the two Brians successfully take Lightning Bolt's sound in a more melodic and accessible direction.
The noise duo’s seventh album is the most life-affirming and accessible music they’ve ever made.
Lightning Bolt's Sonic Citadel is both punishingly noisy and, at times, surprisingly tuneful. People who are on Lightning Bolt's exceedingly loud, improvisational vibe will find plenty to like here.
#38 | / | The Needle Drop |
/ | Slate |