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You’ve heard your lame friends rave about “post-rock” jazz for a while haven’t you? Sounds like random noodling and studio manipulated effects doesn’t it? I agree. I have been quite skeptical of these bands which so many put on pedestals as the “keepers of the flame of great music.” I have heard quite a few of these bands and, honestly, have been impressed by very few of them. A lot of it is just boring and overtly complex as to sacrificing musicality and, an underlying point.
One band constantly associated with the above is Chicago’s sons, Tortoise. While being so closely tied in with this genre they constantly eschew all the trappings and option for making instrumental music interesting. They do this to great effect on their new album, Standards. Sure there is a jazzy edge to a lot of their music, but not in a bad way. They emphasize vibraphones, great drums, bass and guitar to make catchy music that pays off on many levels. Like a finely knit sweater, their parts weave together to form a music which goes from atmospheric one minute, driving the next, and then winding up in a cooled out groove reminiscent of G-funk era Dr. Dre productions. Don’t believe it? Give it one listen and you to will see light! Hail Satan!
http://www.brainwashed.com/tortoise/
By Matt
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