Tortoise releases their first new album in five years, “Touch,” and shares single “Layered Presence”
Tortoise is set to launch their latest album dubbed Touch, marking their first release in several years since 2016. The album is expected to be available in physical and digital formats on October 24, with a subsequent debut on streaming platforms from November 11. In a bid to preview their Touch offering, this post-rock mainstay has generously gifted fans with a sneak peek in the form of a single dubbed “Layered Presence.” Adding to the excitement, Tortoise has gone ahead to announce their 2026 European Tour dates.
Touch will feature a comprehensive 10-track list with known singles such as “Oganesson.” The creative minds behind this project, Dan Bitney, John Herndon, Douglas McCombs, John McEntire, and Jeff Parker, took to renowned studios such as Flora Recording and Playback in Portland, 64 Sound in Los Angeles, as well as Electrical Audio in their hometown Chicago to give life to this album. Notable contributions for the track “Promenade à deux” came from Marta Sofia Honer, playing the viola, and Skip VonKuske on cello. This marks Tortoise’s first album in nearly a decade, which serves as a testament to their artistic evolution.
Following their album release, Tortoise is scheduled to entertain fans with special concert performances both in October and November, including an anticipated show with the Chicago Philharmonic scheduled for November 11 in Chicago.
In response to the overwhelming anticipation surrounding Touch and “Layered Presence,” Tortoise has already unveiled a visually compelling video for the latter. Directed by Mikel Patrick Avery, the video provides a creative interpretation that further unpacks the essence and depth of the single, enriching the listener’s experience.
The band does not stop at delivering an album; they also have a string of European Tour dates lined up for early 2026. In an effort to engage their global fans, Tortoise plans to take their captivating performances across numerous cities. In January 2026, Tortoise will visit countries such as Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, Belgium, and Italy. Following the initial tour, the band will resume their European journey in April 2026, extending to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal.
For fans eager to catch Tortoise’s performances, the window for securing tickets is now open for the band’s upcoming tour. The links shared provide a gateway to securing your spot at these memorable events.
Tortoise remains a pioneering force in the post-rock genre, and their new project Touch, is set to captivate old fans and entice new ones. The band’s ability to craft a narrative through their music and live performances remains unequaled in the industry. With their 2026 tour looming, fans have much to anticipate in terms of a compelling audio-visual experience and a unique musical journey yet to be experienced.