Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band formed in 1981 in New York City. Known for their experimental sound, they blended elements of punk rock, noise rock, and avant-garde music. The band consisted of members Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, and Jim O'Rourke during various periods of their career. The band's innovative use of guitar tunings and feedback helped shape the sound of the 1990s indie rock scene. They gained critical acclaim with albums like Daydream Nation and Goo, influencing many artists and bands in the alternative music genre.