TNT

"TNT" is the third full-length studio album by US post-rock act Tortoise. The album was released through Thrill Jockey in March 1998. It´s the successor to "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" from January 1996. "TNT" was constructed using overdubs and recording parts and sections at various times. At no point during the recording of the album were all members of the band present in the studio at the same time.

Stylistically the material is very diverse and alternates between dusty lounge jazzy rock pieces to ambient electronica, and other sorts of subdued atmospheric rock (everything is instrumental, as the album does not feature vocals). But as with the first two albums from Tortoise rhythm plays an important part on this album too. There´s a great (almost improvised sounding) organic beat going through the album. The bass is not as dominant and loud in the mix as on "Millions Now Living Will Never Die", but it´s still an important part of the soundscape. There are lots of marimba in the music which gives the music its semi-jazzy touch. The link to jazz is further strengthened by cornet and trombone parts and the fact that whiskers are also used frequently.

"TNT" features a well sounding, detailed, and professional production, which provides the material with the perfect conditions to shine. At 64:48 minutes "TNT" is a pretty long album, but it´s a pleasant and relatively interesting release throughout. It´s almost too pleasant at times, which means that my mind drifts away and the music on occasion ends up being sophisticated background muzak, but it´s not meant to sound negative. It´s more an effort to try and explain how calmning and almost sedated hypnotic the album can sound. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.