Tortoise gives a preview of “Layered Presence” from their upcoming album “Touch” (2025)
Tortoise has long been recognized as the pioneers and rulers of post-rock, a genre they almost single-handedly birthed with their 1994 self-titled album. Over the years, they have continued to evolve and surprise their audience with unexpected musical shifts. After some band members left Chicago for the West Coast and everyone became more engrossed in other projects, many thought that the band’s 2016 release, The Catastrophist, marked the end of Tortoise.
However, to the surprise of many, Tortoise is back. On this day, September 9, 2025, the band announced a fresh collection of recordings. Their upcoming album, Touch, is set to be released in the fall of 2025. Despite the band members’ advancement into middle age and their geographic dispersion across Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, including Dan Bitney, John Herndon, Douglas McCombs, John McEntire, and Jeff Parker, Tortoise managed to overcome these obstacles and collaborate on new music for their latest album. The project was recorded in these three cities, showcasing their resilience and ability to work together despite physical barriers.
After their unexpected comeback started in March with the release of a new track “Ogenession,” Tortoise kept the momentum going with further releases and performances. This eventually led to the announcement of a full-length album, Touch, set to be released soon. Leading the way is the single “Layered Presence,” directed by Mikel Patrick Avery. This single gives listeners a taste of the band’s signature sound, a blending of diverse styles that don’t conform to genre norms.
Despite their diverse locations and individual commitments, Tortoise has managed to stay true to their collective identity and craft a unique sound that transcends individual contributions. This ability to create a cohesive musical vision sets them apart from other bands and demonstrates their enduring artistic passion. Touch will be released in physical and digital formats on October 24, with streaming to follow on November 11. Fans can pre-order the album on Bandcamp, getting ready to embark on a sonic journey with Tortoise and experience their latest musical offerings.