STANDARDS

"Standards" is the fourth full-length studio album by US, Chicago, Illinois based post-rock act Tortoise. The album was released through Thrill Jockey in February 2001. It´s the successor to "TNT" from 1998, although the two full-length releases are bridged by the 1999 "In the Fishtank 5" EP.

Stylistically the material on "Standards" continue the electronic tinged and ambient experimental/post-rock style of "TNT" (1998). There are elements of electronica, jazz rock/fusion, lounge jazz, post-rock, and other intriguing musical experiments found on this instrumental release. Tortoise have increased the use of electronics on "Standards" and sometimes it all becomes a little too ambient and directionless, but it´s still relatively sophisticated and pleasant listening muzak (in the most positive meaning of the word).

"Standards" is well produced and it´s obviously performed by a skilled unit of musicians, but it´s hard not to feel that the album sometimes is just pleasant sounding background music, which wasn´t meant for more in depth listening experiences. Still a a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.