theguardian.com
Tortoise: New Album, Touch, After Nine-Year Hiatus Reflects Band's Evolution and Chicago's Transformation
Tortoise, a Chicago-based experimental rock band, releases their first album in nine years, "Touch," reflecting their evolution and the city's gentrification, with the band's members now scattered across the US.
- What is the primary focus of Tortoise's new album, "Touch," and what significant impact does it have on their career?
- Touch" marks Tortoise's first album in nine years, released by International Anthem after a long-standing relationship with Thrill Jockey. This shift reflects their evolving sound and a need for creative change, showcasing new collaborations and a re-evaluation of their creative process.
- What are the long-term implications of Tortoise's approach to music creation and their collaboration with younger musicians?
- Tortoise's malleable approach to music, welcoming remixing and recontextualization, ensures their continued relevance to future generations. Collaborations with younger artists, such as Squid and Geordie Greep, highlight the enduring influence and innovative spirit that has characterized their music for decades.
- How did the socio-economic changes in Chicago influence Tortoise's evolution and their decision to release the new album through a different label?
- Chicago's gentrification made it harder for the band to maintain their creative community and livelihoods. This contributed to members relocating across the US and partly explains the nine-year gap between albums. The choice to switch labels to International Anthem represents a desire for fresh collaboration and a break from previous constraints.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced perspective on Tortoise's career and the changes in their musical environment. While it highlights the band's innovative approach and enduring influence, it also acknowledges the challenges faced by artists in gentrifying cities and the complexities of maintaining a collaborative project across geographical distances. There's no significant prioritization of a particular viewpoint.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. While terms like "bougie" might be considered informal, they fit the conversational tone of the article and don't significantly skew the reader's perception. The article uses quotes extensively, allowing the band members to express their own perspectives.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on Tortoise's musical journey and the context of their creation. While it mentions gentrification's impact, it doesn't delve into the broader socio-economic aspects of Chicago's transformation. However, given the article's focus, such omissions don't appear to mislead or significantly limit understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the gentrification of Chicago and its impact on the music scene. The displacement of musicians due to rising rents and corporate development highlights the challenges of creating sustainable and inclusive cities, where affordable spaces for creative expression are available. The band's move to different labels also reflects the changing economic landscape of the music industry and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing urban environment.