Chicago’s Tortoise Returns with New Album ‘Touch’
Chicago’s own experimental post-rock pioneers, Tortoise, are back with their first new album in nine years, “Touch.” The quintet, known for defying genre labels, is set to perform a highly anticipated show with the Chicago Philharmonic at the iconic Auditorium Theatre this Tuesday, November 11th. This return marks a significant moment for fans and the city’s vibrant music scene.
The Enduring Enigma of Tortoise and Post-Rock
For decades, the instrumental band Tortoise has been at the forefront of what’s broadly termed “post-rock”—a genre defying easy categorization, bridging the gaps between rock, jazz, compositional music, and improvisation. Yet, co-founder John Herndon admits the label never quite resonated, maintaining his love for classic rock while pushing musical boundaries.
Rooted in Chicago, Tortoise is composed of some of the city’s most adventurous players: percussionists John Herndon and Dan Bitney, drummer John McEntire, guitarist Jeff Parker, and bassist Doug McCombs. Their distinct sound, as Herndon describes, comfortably exists in a unique space that isn’t strictly jazz, rock, or electronic, inviting listeners to approach it with an open mind.
“Touch”: A New Chapter After Nine Years
The Album: A Fresh Entry Point
Released this month on International Anthem/Nonesuch, “Touch” is Tortoise’s eighth studio album and their first in nearly a decade. For those new to the band’s work, it offers an accessible entry point. Departing from the “chilled-out soundscape music” of earlier records, “Touch” brings melodies to the forefront.
The album showcases the band’s signature genre-blending, from the guitar-drum swagger of “Vexations” and its synthesized groove, to “Oganesson” which interweaves programmed beats with Jeff Parker’s jazz chords. Other tracks, like “Layered Presences,” expertly sync digital tools with human instruments and even field recordings, while the cinematic “Night Gang” conjures images of spaghetti westerns with cresting synthesizers.
The Creative Process Behind “Touch”
The journey to “Touch” began in 2021, with band members, now residing across different cities, syncing schedules for week-long recording sessions. Herndon describes a collaborative, trial-and-error approach: “Nobody comes in with something so sketched up or so detailed that they have a final idea of what something is going to be. It’s taking this material and pushing it around and discovering through trial and error the process of figuring out what it is.” This organic method, characterized by “putting layers on and scraping layers off,” ultimately shaped the album’s distinct sound.
Tortoise with the Chicago Philharmonic: A Must-See Event
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Tortoise live in their hometown. The quintet will perform with the Chicago Philharmonic this Tuesday, November 11th, at the historic Auditorium Theatre. WBEZ is proud to co-present this unique musical collaboration. Tickets are available starting from $71, and you can find more information at auditoriumtheatre.org.
| Album Era | Characteristic Sound |
|---|---|
| Earlier Records | Chilled-out soundscapes, complex experimental compositions. |
| “Touch” (New Album) | Melodies at the forefront, prominent rock elements, jazz chords, digital/human instrument hybrids, cinematic themes. |
Chicago’s Role in Shaping a Genre
“Touch” arrives almost 30 years after their landmark album “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” which featured the groundbreaking 21-minute track “Djed” that seamlessly merged hip-hop and rock. Herndon fondly recalls a transformative period in Chicago during the late 1990s, where electronic music blended with indie rock, and hip-hop offered new production techniques. The rise of home studio software like Pro Tools further fueled experimental impulses, free from the burden of high studio costs.
The city’s vibrant, collaborative music scene was crucial. Rock musicians started DJing in clubs, leading to increased cross-pollination. “A lot of people from different scenes were collaborating with each other. A lot of rock musicians heard a lot of improvised music because it was around and vice versa,” Herndon notes. With all five members hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, Tortoise embodies this collaborative spirit, viewing post-rock not as a specific sound, but “more of a space to present ideas.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortoise
- Who is Tortoise?
An instrumental post-rock quintet rooted in Chicago, known for blending rock, jazz, and electronic music. - What is “post-rock” according to the band?
Co-founder John Herndon sees it more as “a space to present ideas” rather than a specific sound or a rejection of rock history. - When and where can I see Tortoise perform in Chicago?
They will perform on Tuesday, November 11th, at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) with the Chicago Philharmonic. - What’s new about their latest album, “Touch”?
Released after nine years, “Touch” emphasizes melodies, features more prominent rock elements, and integrates digital tools with human instrumentation. - How did Chicago influence Tortoise’s music?
The city’s late 90s scene fostered cross-pollination between electronic, indie rock, and hip-hop, encouraging collaboration and experimentation among diverse musicians.
This is a prime opportunity for Chicagoans to experience a legendary local band that continues to push musical boundaries, reminding us of the city’s enduring legacy in experimental music.
Tortoise Back With First New Album In Nine Years
