TNT

Wow. Tortoise is not a stagnant band, they're always changing and morphing, exploring new territories, developing new sounds, and using new techniques, and TNT may be one of the most radical examples of this. Each song is similar yet distinct, and the jittery yet controlled streams of percussion that form the base of the Tortoise Sound (if such a thing can be defined) are as present as ever, especially on TNT and Jetty. The vibes make appearances, and are featured on Ten Day Interval. I Set My Face to the Hillside combines the sounds of a crowded Spanish village with sparse, reverberating guitar and shaky western-sounding percussion. And so forth- each track is a unique and engaging exploration into musical realms not known until Chicago's best came to shine light on them. TNT is an incredible album, and deserves five stars.