Tortoise Release Diverse Eighth Album “Touch”
Chicago-based instrumental collective Tortoise has made a triumphant return with their latest studio album, “Touch,” which was released today on International Anthem and Nonesuch Records on various streaming platforms. This album marks their first new studio release since 2016, following previous vinyl, CD, and digital download releases just last month. The group’s unique sound is a result of their members reuniting after spending years living in different cities, ensuring that their wide-ranging musical style continues to evolve and explore new horizons.
The recording process for “Touch” took place in Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago, with the band’s core members Dan Bitney, John Herndon, Douglas McCombs, John McEntire, and Jeff Parker coming together to create a collaborative and cohesive album. This collective songwriting approach prioritizes creativity and ideas over individual ego, a principle that has been integral to Tortoise since their inception in Chicago in 1990. Drawing on a fusion of influences including krautrock, dub, electronica, and jazz, Tortoise has developed a distinctive instrumental language that sets them apart in the music world.
“Touch” sees Tortoise embracing more expansive and adventurous musical territories, moving seamlessly from sleek Krautrock rhythms to dynamic techno bursts and intricate desert-guitar landscapes. The album retains the band’s trademark internal logic while showcasing their willingness to experiment and innovate. Despite the physical distance between members – with two residing in Los Angeles, one in Portland, and two in Chicago – Tortoise’s sound remains unmistakable and cohesive on “Touch.”
In celebration of the album’s release, Tortoise has unveiled an animated video for the standout track, “Rated OG,” created by Selina Trepp. Additionally, the band is set to perform live with the Chicago Philharmonic at The Auditorium in Chicago, delivering a unique presentation of both new and older material arranged for orchestra by notable composers. This collaboration expands on the album’s diverse sound palette, exploring how Tortoise’s layered compositions translate to a larger orchestral setting.
Throughout their storied career, Tortoise has been a pivotal force in the development of the post-rock genre, with groundbreaking albums like “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” and “TNT” redefining traditional rock music conventions through texture, rhythm, and experimentation. The band’s commitment to innovation and improvisation has led them to explore new sonic avenues while maintaining a core focus on studio experimentation and musical evolution.
“Touch” builds upon Tortoise’s rich legacy while forging new creative pathways. The album’s meticulous sequencing invites listeners to engage with its intricate details and subtle nuances, rewarding those who take the time to explore its depths. As the band members have adapted to geographical separation, “Touch” reflects a group of seasoned musicians reconnecting and expanding their musical horizons with purpose and intention.
Accompanying the album release are a series of special live performances, including the upcoming concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, a residency at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, appearances at the EFG London Jazz Festival, and an extensive tour spanning Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia. This global tour includes stops in major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane, showcasing Tortoise’s enduring appeal and innovative spirit to audiences around the world.