Tortoise
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United States
- Born: 1990 in Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Active: 1990 - present
Biography
Tortoise is a highly influential American instrumental group formed in Chicago. As pioneers of the post-rock movement, their sound defies easy categorization, drawing from krautrock, dub, jazz, electronica, and minimalism. The band is known for its unique rhythmic and textural focus, often employing two bass guitars and multiple drummers and percussionists. Their 1996 album, 'Millions Now Living Will Never Die', is considered a landmark of the genre, showcasing their method of blending studio experimentation with complex arrangements. Signed to the #Thrill Jockey# label for much of their career, Tortoise's innovative, groove-based compositions have left a significant mark on experimental and independent music.
Genres
Tortoise Discography
- Tortoise (1994) - Album - rated 3.93/5
- Rhythms, Resolutions & Clusters (1995) - Album - rated 3.26/5
- Gamera (1995) - EP - rated 3.93/5
- Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996) - Album - rated 3.96/5
- Adverse Camber / To Day Retreival (1998) - Single
- TNT (1998) - Album - rated 4.03/5
- Tortoise / Derrick Carter (1998) - EP
- A Digest Compendium of the Tortoise's World (2001) - Compilation - rated 3.61/5
- Standards (2001) - Album - rated 3.67/5
- Gently Cupping the Chin of the Ape - Tortoise Tour 2001 (2001) - EP - rated 3.31/5
- It's All Around You (2004) - Album - rated 3.42/5
- A Lazarus Taxon (2006) - Compilation - rated 3.9/5
- Beacons of Ancestorship (2009) - Album - rated 3.57/5
- The Catastrophist (2016) - Album - rated 2.97/5
- Touch (2025) - Album - rated 3.58/5
Members
- John Herndon - drums, vibraphone, keyboards (1990–Present)
- Doug McCombs - bass, guitar, lap steel (1990–Present)
- John McEntire - drums, synthesizer, guitar, keyboards (1991–Present)
- Dan Bitney - drums, percussion, vibraphone, keyboards, bass (1993–Present)
- Jeff Parker - guitar, bass (1996–Present)
- David Pajo - guitar, bass (1995–1998)