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Tortoise

Tortoise is an American post-rock band known for their experimental and instrumental music that blends multiple genres, ranging from jazz to minimalist music, electronica to krautrock, and dub to ambient. Formed in Chicago in 1990, the ensemble has distinguished itself with an unconventional approach to rock music, favoring sound abstraction and atmosphere over traditional rock song structures. The core members John McEntire, Doug McCombs, and John Herndon, along with a rotating cast of musicians and collaborators, have continually pushed the boundaries of their sound. The group's focus on creating a unique sonic experience is often regarded as pioneering within the post-rock genre.

Over the years, Tortoise's ambitious discography has played a significant role in defining the post-rock movement and influencing countless artists. Their self-titled debut album "Tortoise" (1994), was followed by a string of critically acclaimed releases: "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" (1996), "TNT" (1998), "Standards" (2001), and "It's All Around You" (2004). Each album saw the band delve deeper into complex sonic textures while maintaining a distinctive sound. With "Beacons of Ancestorship" (2009) and its subsequent remixes, they continued this trend, leading to their latest studio album, "The Catastrophist" (2016), which features a blend of avant-garde melodies and rhythms, studded with moments of lyrical clarity in what might be considered a subtle nod to conventional song structure. Tortoise's ability to reinvent instrumental rock and their lasting influence on the genre solidifies their status as vanguards of modern music experimentation.

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