It's All Around You cover

It's All Around You

Tortoise · 2004

43 min · 10 tracks · post-rock

An intricate tapestry of jazz, minimalism, and rock that creates immersive soundscapes and experimental sonic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's All Around You — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its fluid interplay of instruments and a meditative quality that sets the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Stretch (You Are All Right) — This track exemplifies Tortoise's ability to blend complex rhythms with soothing melodies, creating a dynamic experience that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    On the Chin — With its driving beat and layered instrumentation, this track showcases Tortoise's signature style while maintaining a sense of momentum that highlights their innovative approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and cohesive flow highlight Tortoise's refined post-rock style.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with several pieces exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • The opening track sets a slow, atmospheric tone that is maintained with subtle variations across the subsequent tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2004, It's All Around You is Tortoise's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed TNT from 1998. At this point, the band was further refining their unique blend of post-rock and jazz influences while continuing to explore new musical territories. The album reflects a matured sound that builds on their previous work, showcasing their growth as artists.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Five Too Many

    The song features a moment where it shifts from rhythmic pulse to expansive ambient sounds, creating a sense of release.

    This structural transition emphasizes the contrast between tension and resolution, reflecting Tortoise's knack for evolving dynamics within their compositions.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It's All Around You 4:09
  • 2 The Lithium Stiffs 3:59
  • 3 Crest 4:21
  • 4 Stretch (You Are All Right) 5:14
  • 5 Unknown 5:38
  • 6 Dot/Eyes 3:46
  • 7 On the Chin 5:21
  • 8 By Dawn 1:51
  • 9 Five Too Many 4:33
  • 10 Salt the Skies 4:45

What to play next

The Brave and the Bold
Listen next

The Brave and the Bold

2006
Standards
Go back to

Standards

2001
Full Tortoise discography Artists like Tortoise
art rock post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata