TNT

Released

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.

Hank Shteamer

Suggestions
Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress cover

Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress

Godspeed You! Black Emperor
5 Years of Hyperdub cover

5 Years of Hyperdub

Various Artists
Chromakopia cover

Chromakopia

Tyler, The Creator
Obsession cover

Obsession

Gato Barbieri
Sunrise cover

Sunrise

Masabumi Kikuchi Trio
Perpetual Void cover

Perpetual Void

Chris Tordini, Marta Sánchez, Savannah Harris
Ferndorf cover

Ferndorf

Hauschka