EVOL (Sonic Youth album)

EVOL is the third full-length studio album by American alternative rock band Sonic Youth. It was released in May 1986 by SST Records. Often considered a pivotal release in the band's discography, EVOL is characterized by its experimental approach to song structure, dissonant guitar tunings, and the incorporation of noise rock elements. The album's title, EVOL, is "LOVE" spelled backwards.

The album features a blend of avant-garde and pop sensibilities, moving away from the more straightforward hardcore punk influences of their earlier work. Key tracks include "Tom Violence," "Shadow of a Doubt," and "Starpower." EVOL marked a significant step in Sonic Youth's exploration of alternative tunings and extended guitar techniques, which became hallmarks of their sound.

EVOL was met with critical acclaim upon release and has since been recognized as a highly influential album within the alternative rock and noise rock genres. Its impact can be heard in the work of numerous subsequent artists.