TORTOISE “The Catastrophist” CD

Chicago-based instrumental band Tortoise. For over 20 years, they have been weaving a clearly and stubbornly unique sound that incorporates a wide variety of elements such as dub, rock, jazz, electronica, and minimalism. This is their first new album in about seven years (their seventh overall). This album features the opening title track, a moody jam led by synths, the powerful hypnotic bass and beat of "Shake Hands With Danger," and a completely strange cover of the 1973 smash hit "Rock On" by British singer and actor David Essex, sung by former US Maple and current Dead Rider Todd Littman, all lined up without any sense of incongruity. The lead single "Gesceap" starts with two gently intersecting synth lines, which transform into a fierce and ferocious performance by a full band, leading to the finish. It also includes the bittersweet, straightforward soul ballad "Yonder Blue," sung by longtime friend Georgia Hubley of Yo La Tengo (it's surprising that a Tortoise album has more than one vocal track with lyrics). The songs exceed our expectations throughout the album, delightfully vibrating our eardrums. It's a masterpiece that proves itself in a class of its own in every respect.