- 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.
