“Tortoise formed in Chicago in 1990, which means the American post-rock institution is approaching its “platinum” anniversary. While none of its records have earned that same designation in terms of sales, the predominantly instrumental five-piece has been incredibly influential over the past two decades, carving out a sound that has favored, in turn, Krautrock, jazz, dub, electronica, and the cinematic. Tortoise’s new Beacons Of Ancestorship is not only the group’s first proper LP in five years, but it’s the first to take a grittier, almost hip-hop-tinged tack. That’s not surprising considering that in the interim between albums, Tortoise percussionists Dan Bitney, John Herndon, and John McEntire recorded a breakbeat record, Bumps, for indie-rap label Stones Throw. In that time, the band also released A Lazarus Taxon, an acclaimed four-disc set compiling B-sides and remixes. In advance of Tortoise’s July 21 show at Le Poisson Rouge, Bitney—who also plays vibes, guitar, bass, keys, and sax—spoke with Decider about his band’s sixth album, critical backlash, and getting older.“

Read the interview here.

Tortoise will be performing at LPR tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm.