Tortoise
It’s All Around You (Thrill Jockey)
by Tim Den
Like the impossible gathering of Earth’s flora on the (double!) cover, Tortoise‘s latest offering is one that draws, as usual, from worlds of progressive influences into a cauldron all their own. Latin, jazz, world music, post-rock (they’re from Chicago, after all), prog rock, IDM, all distilled of their essence via Soma Electronic Music Studios (owned and operated by member John McEntire) and reborn as It’s All Around You. Atmospheres pulse on “By Dawn,” spectres haunt in “The Lithium Stiffs,” mini-orchestras detonate in “Crest,” guitar riffage do battle in “On the Chin” and the title track, all augmented by tinkling vibes and slippery bass/synth bass. Closing with “Salt the Earth,” vintage
(PO Box 08038 Chicago, IL 60608)