March 10, 1998 by A.S. Van Dorston

Someone in Tortoise must be up on Taoist philosophy. They are the musical equivalent of wu wei, a Taoist concept that roughly translates to “effortless action.” They adapt to a changing environment, floating past the “post-rock” backlash (a term they do not identify with or endorse) like water flows around rocks. Their interviews emphasize and re-emphasize working with a natural, organic collaborative process rather than any individual’s ego.

At their Soma Studio loft, they seem to have achieved a communal atmosphere not unlike the commune Sun Ra’s Arkestra had in 1950s Chicago, but without a Sun Ra figure. In the tradition of jazz musicians, each member participates in many other projects, reflecting a collectively formidable musical appetite. These cats love to play, and they work hard at it. TNT, which could stand for tough ‘n’ tender, takes a giant step into digital cut ‘n’ mix production. They are no stranger to remixing — their previous two full lengths were both subjected to every form of mixology imaginable. This time they did it themselves.

While Tortoise remains an instrumental band, they have absorbed some of the innovations from electronica artists like Oval, Microstoria, Panasonic and Autechre, and come up of with a few of their own. The results of their experiments are mixed. A few tracks are not as engaging as their earlier work. They have yet to match the emotional impact of 1995’s “Cliff Dweller Society,” the most beautiful piece of music they ever created. When the melancholy chorus of horns come in, I can almost sense the ghost of Charles Mingus brush past me, sit in front of the stereo and stroke his goatee in bemused pleasure. The remaining two thirds of the album, however, is as rich and satisfying as I had hoped. While complex musical concepts are sometimes involved, it is not cold and academic like some detractors claim. Rather than Weather Report and Mike Oldfield, think in terms of the kamikaze experimental spirit of This Heat, the wild eclecticism of Mahavishnu Orchestra, and the sub-aquatic groove of 70s Miles Davis. Let it flow turtle people.