Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Catastrophist — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic exploration of catastrophe and resilience through a rich tapestry of sounds, setting the tone for the entire record.
-
→
Shake Hands With Danger — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and sharp contrasts, showcasing Tortoise's ability to merge tension with melodic moments, making it a highlight of the listening experience.
-
→
Gesceap — A sprawling piece that combines layered instrumentation with dynamic shifts, demonstrating Tortoise's mastery of creating immersive environments through sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate arrangements and unique sound make it a notable entry in post-rock, though it may not redefine the genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of extended instrumental explorations.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- exploratory rhythms that invite curiosity
- short tracks with varied textures
- intricate soundscapes for deep focus
- thought-provoking themes throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- want constant high-energy pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Catastrophist is Tortoise's first album in nearly seven years, following their 2009 release, Beacons of Ancestorship. At this point in their career, the band was re-establishing themselves in a music landscape that had evolved significantly since their last project, incorporating more contemporary influences while maintaining their signature complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Battles· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· The Sea and Cake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Catastrophist 3:52
- 2 Ox Duke 4:49
- 3 Rock On 3:13
- 4 Gopher Island 1:13
- 5 Shake Hands With Danger 4:10
- 6 The Clearing Fills 4:22
- 7 Gesceap 7:37
- 8 Hot Coffee 3:53
- 9 Yonder Blue 3:18
- 10 Tesseract 3:54
- 11 At Odds With Logic 3:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.