As much as Standards expands Tortoise's sonic palette, it is ultimately a record of intricately woven compositions. Beginning with a series of drum 'n' bass percussion clicks and the most prominent synthesizer line in Tortoise's canon, the track's brooding vibe suddenly resolves into a TNT- like bit of repetitive riffage. Vibes and guitar lock into a minimalist major key motif that turns itself around into a jazzy bit of discordant skronk. This is mind music that moves the booty as well. As the disco ball drops and diamonds of light glimmer and spin, a vocoder gurgles over New Age synth swells.
Standards is a deceptive animal.
Some listeners will hear the violent guitar stabs that open the album and declare that Tortoise have launched a punk-rock assault against their critics, but beneath the newly painted shell resides the same thoughtful, patient beast that reinvented rock music. While TNT was dense, diverse and mysterious, Standards is forceful and cohesive. Over the course of the album's 10 tracks, Tortoise merge disparate elements like flamenco guitar, hand claps, analog synth burbles and backward tape loops into a seamless, harmonious whole. For a more radical revision of post-rock's sound, listeners should tune into Isotope 217. Dan Bitney are all members, and McEntire runs the boards, but the distinct presence of cornet player Rob Mazurek prevents the two bands from becoming sonic Siamese twins.