TNT

Tortoise’s aesthetic was well established by the time of their third LP, which made TNT feel less novel than their first two full-lengths, but equally satisfying in its vivid escapism. Pieces like “Swung From the Gutters” here refined the proggy chamber-fusion that the band dialed in on Millions Now Living Will Never Die, while “Ten-Day Interval” furthered their fascination with Steve Reich–ian mallet-percussion minimalism. Elsewhere, dubbed-out electronica and windswept Morricone-isms fleshed out what felt like an expertly curated sampler platter for indie-rock fans whose record collections were rapidly expanding right alongside those of Tortoise’s sonically omnivorous members.