Beacons of Ancestorship

Released in 2009 after a five-year hiatus, Beacons of Ancestorship represents a significant stylistic sharpening for Tortoise. Recorded at John McEntire's Soma Electronic Music Studios, the album moves away from the breezy, melodic sensibilities of 'It's All Around You' in favor of a grittier, more synth-forward approach. The record is notable for its use of the Arp 2600 and other vintage synthesizers, which provide a jagged, electronic counterpoint to the band's traditional dual-drummer attack. Critics noted the album's 'punk' energy, particularly on tracks like 'Prepare Your Coffin,' which stands as one of the most direct and aggressive songs in their catalog. The album synthesizes decades of influence - from Ennio Morricone's tension to the rhythmic repetition of Can - into a cohesive, albeit restless, whole. It remains a pivotal entry that proved Tortoise could evolve beyond the 'Chicago Sound' they helped define in the 1990s.