Tortoise

The first time I saw legendary Chicago act Tortoise was at their spiritual home of All Tomorrow’s Parties. I couldn’t believe my eyes at the men gathered up there on stage: David Pajo of Slint, genius producer John McEntire, Eleventh Dream Day’s Doug McCombs, brilliant jazz player Jeff Parker....I could go on. The music on the band’s run of three untouchable albums – Millions Now Living Will Never Die, TNT and Standards – seemed so studio-anchored and complex that I thought it would be impossible to recreate those sounds for a live show. And indeed, as the band began the show it sounded too perfect: everything sounded as clean and crisp and layered as it did on record, a perfect mix of post-rock, jazz and electronics. Then it hit me: these guys are just total pros. I called them legends for goodness’ sake, they’re showing why and I doubted them? More fool me. So as the feedback-drenched national anthem wrangling of ‘Seneca’ gave way to its treated drums and tricky time signatures, and the cut and paste ‘Djed’ was somehow recreated by analogue instruments (I was sure that had been created on a computer) and the band continued to roll effortlessly through their catalogue I gave up wondering how this was happening and just enjoyed this singular experience. Being in the presence of legends is quite something: biblical-proportion doubts surround you before the veil is removed and you realise that some people are just amazing at what they do. That’s Tortoise.

Post rock outfit Tortoise have gained a reputation many would envy in a career that is fast approaching its 25 year anniversary. The Californian musicians are now held in cult-like adoration and despite a lack of commerciality for the six albums currently released, fans attend the shows again and again due to the impassioned manner in which the band conducts itself.

The stage is set with just a few instruments and little else before the lights dim and the quintet files out saluting the crowd who are already beginning their applause. The show is a demonstration of what makes Tortoise so easy to adore, it is honest rock and roll performed by incredibly genuine musicians who totally understand where they have come from. The fact they have their feet so firmly planted on the ground means the fans are kept at the centre of the operation all evening with constant thank yous and dedications. The audience repays this gratitude with thunderous applause for a finale of 'Salt the Skies'.

Great universe of sounds created by continously exchanging, excellent musicians. Tortoise tells stories and paints pictures with sound, for which there are no words or visual means to tell them. Mind drifting away whiLe the feet stay firm on the ground (while moving to the rhythm ;-))

Ridiculous as always!! These guys bring it every chance I've ever gotten to see them. Stoked I get one more chance this week to do it again in Gainesville. Hoping Jeff is able to make it. That being said, his fill in was amazing!!

The band was great,support band was good but the sound in general? well im not so sure but I didn't quite like it.Not enough hi tones for my liking.I did see the Tortoise in Koko few years ago and they sounded incredible.

We don't see enough of this fantastic group!! What a
pleasure to have attended this event! Great set!! Having
listened to their great album TNT at length, it was amazing
to see them bring their game... !!!!!

Tortoise is amazing live. This is what happens when you start a band with 3 drummers who also play other instruments. They did an extended encore set and I hope they keep going on tour or possibly write new music.

Awesome! Tortoise rocked. Great seeing them live after a long time.

And the band that opened them was very very cool too and I forgot the name... :(

It was my first time in the north beach bandshell.

It Was amazing!!!
They exploted my head, the show Was a review of The Best song of The band y the played some songs of The New álbum
I hope the band return to Argentina