Tortoise is a Chicago-based instrumental band that has been pushing the boundaries of post-rock and experimental music since their formation in 1990. With a sound that blends elements of jazz, electronic music, and avant-garde composition, Tortoise has become one of the most innovative and influential bands of their generation. Known for their intricate and layered compositions, the band’s music rewards careful listening, revealing new details and textures with each listen.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 10 best Tortoise songs of all time. These songs represent the pinnacle of the band’s discography, showcasing their ability to craft complex and immersive musical landscapes that defy easy categorization.
From the hypnotic rhythms of “Djed” to the shimmering textures of “Glass Museum,” the songs on this list are all masterpieces in their own right, each one showcasing Tortoise’s unique sound and songwriting talents. Through their music, the band has pushed the boundaries of what instrumental music can be, challenging listeners to explore new sonic territories and expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved with a group of instruments.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Tortoise or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to offer something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of one of the most innovative and influential bands of the past three decades as we count down the 10 best Tortoise songs of all time.
1. Why We Fight
“Why We Fight” is a song by the American indie rock band, Guster. The track is from their 2003 album, “Keep It Together”. The song features upbeat guitar riffs, driving drums, and layered harmonies, creating an anthemic and catchy sound. Lyrically, the song is an ode to fighting for what you believe in and standing up against oppression and injustice. With its catchy melody and empowering message, “Why We Fight” has become a fan favorite and remains one of Guster’s most popular songs. The track showcases the band’s ability to write upbeat, uplifting music that still has a deeper message and meaning.
2. Whitewater
“Whitewater” is a song by the post-rock band Tortoise, released in 1994 as part of their album “Tortoise.” The song is characterized by its complex and intricate instrumental arrangement, with interlocking guitar lines, jazzy drum patterns, and spacey synths creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic sound. The song builds gradually and evolves over its eight-minute runtime, with the different instrumental layers blending and contrasting with each other in fascinating ways. “Whitewater” showcases Tortoise’s unique approach to instrumental music, fusing elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music into a sound that is both experimental and accessible, and has become a fan favorite in the band’s discography.
3. Not Quite East of the Ryan
“Not Quite East of the Ryan” is an instrumental track by the American post-rock band, Tortoise. The song is from their 1998 album, “TNT”. The track features a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments, with intricate rhythms and melodic interplay between the guitar, bass, and percussion. The song starts with a slow, meditative groove before building to a frenetic, chaotic climax, showcasing the band’s ability to create complex and dynamic music. “Not Quite East of the Ryan” is a testament to Tortoise’s unique sound, blending elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music into a cohesive and experimental whole.
4. Alcohall
“Alcohall” is a song by the post-rock band Tortoise, released in 1998 as part of their album “TNT.” The song features a slow and brooding sound, with moody guitar riffs, atmospheric synths, and driving drums creating a hypnotic and ominous mood. The song’s structure is loose and improvisational, with the different instrumental elements weaving in and out of each other in unpredictable ways. “Alcohall” is a prime example of Tortoise’s ability to create atmospheric and evocative soundscapes, blending elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music into a unique and captivating sound.
5. Salt the Skies
“Salt the Skies” is a song by the post-rock band Tortoise, released in 2009 as part of their album “Beacons of Ancestorship.” The song features a driving and energetic rhythm, with pounding drums and frenzied guitar riffs creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The song’s structure is intricate and layered, with different instrumental elements building and interacting with each other in fascinating ways. “Salt the Skies” showcases Tortoise’s ability to create dynamic and engaging instrumental music that is both complex and accessible, and has become a fan favorite in the band’s discography.
6. Gamera
“Gamera” is a track by the American post-rock band, Tortoise. The song is from their 1996 album, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”. The track features a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, with intricate drum patterns, melodic guitar lines, and a pulsating bassline. The song slowly builds in intensity, adding layers of instrumentation and building to a chaotic climax before returning to its original meditative state. “Gamera” showcases Tortoise’s unique ability to blend disparate musical styles, creating a sound that is both experimental and accessible. With its complex rhythms and melodic interplay, “Gamera” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Tortoise’s discography.
7. Goriri
“Goriri” is a track by the American post-rock band, Tortoise. The song is from their 2009 album “Beacons of Ancestorship”. The track features a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments, with a repetitive guitar riff and a driving drum beat. The song slowly builds in intensity, adding layers of instrumentation and building to a powerful climax before returning to its original meditative state. “Goriri” showcases Tortoise’s ability to create a cohesive and engaging musical narrative, combining experimental and accessible elements to create a sound that is unique and compelling. The track’s hypnotic rhythm and subtle melodic shifts make it a standout on an already impressive album.
8. Six Pack
“Six Pack” is a track by the American post-rock band, Tortoise. The song is from their 1994 self-titled debut album. The song features a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, with a driving bassline, complex percussion, and a melodic vibraphone. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, adding layers of instrumentation and culminating in a chaotic yet controlled climax. “Six Pack” is an excellent example of Tortoise’s unique sound, blending elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music into a cohesive and experimental whole. The song’s dynamic structure and intricate rhythms showcase the band’s ability to create complex and engaging music.
9. Seneca
“Seneca” is a song by the post-rock band Tortoise, released in 1998 as part of their album “TNT.” The song is characterized by its hypnotic and repetitive rhythm, with a minimalist bassline and sparse percussion building into a slowly unfolding soundscape of intricate guitar riffs and atmospheric synths. The song’s structure is patient and deliberate, allowing the different instrumental elements to gradually build and interact with each other in a subtle and mesmerizing way. “Seneca” is a masterful example of Tortoise’s ability to create immersive and evocative soundscapes that are both meditative and engaging.
10. Gesceap
“Gesceap” is a song by the post-rock band Tortoise, released in 2021 as part of their album “TNT (Deluxe Edition).” The song is a reimagining of the track “Ten-Day Interval” from the band’s original 1998 “TNT” album, with an expanded instrumentation and a new emphasis on live improvisation. “Gesceap” features a complex and layered soundscape, with shimmering guitars, pulsating basslines, and subtle electronic textures weaving together in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. The song showcases Tortoise’s ability to push the boundaries of instrumental music and create innovative and captivating sonic experiences.