Blogiarhiiv

2/08/2016

Tortoise - 1992-04-13 - Lounge Ax (1992)




  • Post-rock
  • Progressive rock
  • Electronic music
  • Improvised music
  • Live session
  • Experimental rock

Comment: firstly, I did not like Tortoise`s last issue The Catastrophist (Thrill Jockey) because I felt as if the legendary Chicago, Illinois, US-based combo had tried to reinvent a new formula of pop music while having no enough faith in it. The result was quite sleazy and superficial. On the other side, I have no hesitation to show up their legacy to be one of the greatest among the indie and post-rock scene during the last three decades. Furthermore, John McEntire, the vibraphone player, keyboardist and drummer and producer of the combo has contributed at many fascinating albums with regard to Stereolab, Yo La Tengo, Bright Eyes, Radian, Jaga Jazzist if to name some of those ones. This 9-track gig at Lounge Ax was obviously one of their first performances whereas having issued no albums so far. Many compositions which appeared here were added to their first eponymous issue. Although Tortoise`s music is being generally tagged as “post-rock” if to dissect it this consists mainly of progressive rock, electronica, dub, krautrock, minimalism, and concrete sounds. Indeed, the combo has exploited elements of the aforesaid styles in different combinations throughout 24 years. It could be said this 41-minute issue is one of such sort of although it might sound a little bit clumsy because obviously having had no enough experience yet to interplay with each other in a more fast and cohesive manner. By regarding the Tortoise`s narrative to prefer instrumental compositions it is surprising enough to discover a track with vocal delivery called Lonesome Sound. It is disturbing that one could hear chitchatting while the combo is playing. The set is ended up by Ry Cooder, one of the most well-known compositions by Tortoise.