After breaking their major label ties, Sonic Youth returns to their indie roots by leaping out the gate with one of their most energized rockers in years. The mellow jams that characterized their last few works have been put on the back burner, and even with most the band pushing 50, The Eternal is focused, sharp, and lively. But as thrilling as it is to see the alt legends crashing through the bends, the whole thing feels a bit too much like a day at the races, with little new ground covered.