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TORTOISE
Standards
Thrill Jockey Records
www.thrilljockey.com
As Chicago's pre-eminent post-rock deconstructionists, Tortoise has managed to liberate itself from all labels, applying a subtle cartoon mentality to lightning sharp reflexes on
their splendidly twisted, "Standards." Exceptions are the rule in Tortoise's funky mix of jittery burps, collaborative confusion and sublime prog-rock exorcism as the band bucks trends to carve out a
compelling path of aural adventure. Ricocheting between serenity and restlessness, "Standards," abandons all conventions, lingering before shooting away, countering an eerie array of sonic squiggles
and shimmering atmosphere with enlightened detours into clattering jazz, static-riddled electronica and cerebral Krautrock. Like a runaway Stereolab commandeered by Sun Ra, "Standards," unleashes an attic
full of jive vibes and robotic riffs to fashion a raw, strangely enchanting disc of beautiful energies and oblique strategies. Tortoise appears with Nobukazu Takemura on June 18th at Madison's Barrymore Theater.
John Noyd
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