Rock Mountain High

In the fuzz-infested waters of garage rock, none rules supreme-er than Sic Alps. The local trio is just back from a tour with Sonic Youth, for example. Musically, the Alps come throbbing and clanging through town like surf guitar took a hit of Owsley with a cough syrup chaser; chugging riffage is leavened and stretched with new recruit Noel Von Harmonson from Comets on Fire’s singularly tripped-out sound. Pitchfork notices “a head-swallowing feedback screech where a solo should go” and “indiscernible waves of distortion” on the group’s only full-length record, U.S. EZ. To us, that sounds exactly like a Noel Von Harmonson–shaped hole. The band must agree; word on the street is that OGs Matt Hartman and Mike Donovan plan to keep, nurture, and feed him at least through the next recording session.

Related Content

• Five Cover Songs That Are Better Than the Originals
  April 11, 2012
• Q&A: How Howlin' Rain Survived a Four-Year Hiatus, Worked with Rick Rubin, and Finished The Russian Wilds
  February 17, 2012
• Sic Alps: Show Preview
  February 9, 2011
• Watch Sic Alps Grainy, Disorienting New Video for 'Do You Want to Give $$?'
  January 24, 2011
• How To Get The Band To Play What You Want
  May 25, 2011

More About

• Sic Alps
• Mike Donovan
• Sonic Youth
• Concerts and Tours
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

Sic Alps joins Lights in opening for the Entrance Band.
Sun., Feb. 14, 8 p.m., 2010