Legendary instro combo Tortoise helped carve out the genre sometimes referred to as “post-rock” in the ‘90s, music that embraced and recalled minimalism and the influence of many avant-garde composers.
Their first release in over six years finds the band still using those references along with their own jazz and krautrock leanings. The beats are frequently funky, and the Philip Glass-like ‘”Gesceap” will wake you up. Although some of the production is a bit same-y, the real surprises here are Tortoise’s first vocals ever, featuring Yo La Tengo’s Georgia Hubley on “Yonder Blue” and a ghostly rendition of ‘70s glam cover “Rock On.”
Score: 8 out of 10
Tortoise
The Catastrophist
Thrill Jockey Records
Producer: John Mcentire
