Name: Tortoise
Brand: Tortoise

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

375 Media

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2009-12-31

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

5191891

UPC / Barcode

790377001310

2004-06-14

5191892

790377001327

Artist

Tortoise

Label EU

Thrill Jockey

Genre EU

Alternative / Modern

Tortoise is a post-rock band from Chicago known for their almost entirely instrumental music that defies easy categorization. With roots in the city's fertile music scene, the group incorporates styles closer to Krautrock, dub, minimalism, electronica, and various jazz styles into their sound. Some consider Tortoise as one of the prime forces behind the development and popularity of the post-rock movement. Their music has also been described as heavily indebted to progressive rock.

Formed in the late 1980s by Doug McCombs and John Herndon, Tortoise initially envisioned themselves as a freelance rhythm section similar to reggae legends Sly and Robbie. However, their interest in grooving rhythms and recording studio trickery led them to collaborate with drummer John McEntire and bassist Bundy K. Brown (both formerly of Bastro) before adding Dan Bitney to complete the lineup. While all members contribute to songwriting, McEntire is often seen as the group's guiding force due to his role as recording engineer and mixer.

Tortoise has released records on Thrill Jockey label and is associated with other groups such as The Sea and Cake, Brokeback, Slint, Isotope 217, and the Chicago Underground Duo.

Thrill Jockey is an American independent record label that was established in 1992 by Bettina Richards, a former A&R representative at Atlantic Records. Originally based in New York City, the label relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1995.
With over two decades of experience, Thrill Jockey has become a prominent force in the music industry. Known for its diverse roster of artists and commitment to artistic integrity, the label has consistently released groundbreaking and innovative music across various genres.
Thrill Jockey's catalog includes a wide range of critically acclaimed albums from both established and emerging artists. From experimental rock to electronic music, jazz to folk, the label continues to push boundaries and support unique voices within the industry.

Newest Listed Items

fresh out of melbourne's reputed house scene, the tortoise is one of the hottest talents to emerge from the current wave of house breaking down under. a side 'the puffing tortoise' captures the 21-year-old's precocious talent and aims it squarely at the peak time. working his trademark airy vocals around a familiar disco refrain and bubbling bass, he works the track into a sweaty climax and skilfully keeps it there throughout the midsection. turning in a late night chugger on their remix, berlin based canadians the mole and hreno ride an insistent pulse and insect like percussion. twisting the samples, they guide the track into a dark jungle of chattering sounds to temper the tortoise' youthful exuberance. the analogue melancholy of 'keep on keepin on' is all in the sweeping synths and twinkling effects. recoiling the tension, the chicago influenced track seeps through the speakers and will sound as good at home as it will during specially chosen dancefloor moments. rondenion approaches the title track with fearless disregard for the original, combining the swelling tortoise sound with something entirely his own. his addition of a funk fuelled midsection, really breaks the track down and adds another slice of character to an ep already brimming with it.

Music EU