TNT cover

TNT

Tortoise · 1998

64 min · 12 tracks · post-rock

A seamless blend of intricate rhythms and textured soundscapes that redefine the boundaries of post-rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    TNT — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its hypnotic grooves and layered instrumentation, showcasing Tortoise's signature blend of genres.
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    Swung From the Gutters — This track features an infectious rhythm that blends electronic elements with live instrumentation, highlighting the band's ability to merge styles seamlessly.
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    I Set My Face to the Hillside — With its slow build and atmospheric textures, this track exemplifies Tortoise's knack for creating immersive soundscapes that invite deep listening.
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    In Sarah, Mencken, Christ, and Beethoven There Were Women and Men — The lengthy composition showcases complex arrangements and thematic variations, illustrating the band's artistic ambition on this record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
82 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

TNT showcases intricate compositions and seamless transitions, solidifying its place in post-rock.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments alongside traditional rock elements, adding to the textural diversity.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
  • extended tracks that reward patience
  • immersive soundscapes for deep focus
  • thoughtful background for creative work

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, punchy songs
  • seek immediate melodic gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Tortoise released TNT in 1998, they were already established as pioneers of the post-rock genre. This album followed their critically acclaimed debut, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, and solidified their experimental approach, featuring a more refined sound that incorporated elements of jazz, dub, and minimalism.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 TNT 7:33
  • 2 Swung From the Gutters 5:52
  • 3 Ten-Day Interval 4:44
  • 4 I Set My Face to the Hillside 6:08
  • 5 The Equator 3:42
  • 6 A Simple Way to Go Faster Than Light That Does Not Work 3:33

Disc 2

  • 1 The Suspension Bridge at Iguazú Falls 5:38
  • 2 Four-Day Interval 4:45
  • 3 In Sarah, Mencken, Christ, and Beethoven There Were Women and Men 7:28
  • 4 Almost Always Is Nearly Enough 2:42
  • 5 Jetty 8:21
  • 6 Everglade 4:21

What to play next

Standards
Listen next

Standards

2001
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Go back to

Millions Now Living Will Never Die

1996
Full Tortoise discography Artists like Tortoise
art rock post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata