TORTOISE
It's All Around You (Thrill Jockey)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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When Tortoise made their mark with a couple of ground breaking albums, journalists looking for a new catch phrase threw up post-rock, and there's your fifteen minutes. The sixteenth minute is ever so harsh, and though Tortoise has continued their flux experiment, the thrilling magic of invention is no longer available. Get over it and enjoy the music at hand I say, for it can be down right exquisite. Swerving like a train on a hockey rink, this slab careens all over the place, hitting the mark with a jazz prog rock fusion made oh so palatable with some saucy vibe work. Seemingly simple, there's a nice evolution as layers unfold. Just cuz it's no longer revolutionary doesn't mean it ain't no good. A listening pleasure for one and all. And remember: post is really a just cereal company.

© 2004 - John Sekerka