Tortoise – The catastrophist (Thrill Jockey)

There’s only one Tortoise in the world and they’re back with their latest gift to us, a glorious groovy thing from the very first beat.

So. Many. Highlights.

The title track, a thrilling circling tune full of conviction and killer kosmische synth hooks.
The great ominous build of ‘Shake hands with danger’, a minimalist clanging chime loop at its centre.
The beautiful shifting sands of ‘The clearing fills’, a drifting jazz dream.
The epic ‘Gesceap’, buzzing keys under a series of interlocking Reichian melodies.
Guest vocals by Yo La Tengo’s Georgia Hubley on ‘Yonder blue’, a gorgeous dream pop turn over an army of swooning guitars. (John McEntire produced YLT’s 2nd last album, the very beautiful Fade, so favour returned.)

The drumming as always is wonderful, chunky and delicate, supported brilliantly by an urgent bass pulse.

Plus they cover a David Essex song, ‘Rock on’, sung by Todd Rittmann of U.S. Maple.

Honestly, can this band get any cooler?