Experimental rock pioneers Tortoise have finally emerged from their extended hibernation, announcing the release of their first new material in nine years. The Chicago-based instrumental ensemble will break their silence on March 27, 2025, with a digital single titled “Oganesson,” serving as a prelude to their forthcoming album “Touch,” scheduled for release in the fall of 2025.
The long-awaited new album, “Touch,” will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital download beginning October 24, 2025, while streaming platforms will feature the album starting November 11. This release marks a significant milestone for the band, representing their first full-length collection since 2016.
Working with a dual-label partnership between International Anthem and Nonesuch Records, Tortoise has crafted what early descriptions suggest is a genre-bending collection that melds re-engineered Krautrock, techno elements, and spaghetti Western-inspired arrangements. This approach aligns with their reputation for creating genreless music that seamlessly blends multiple influences.
“Layered Presence,” the album’s lead single, will be accompanied by an official video directed by Mikel Patrick Avery, showcasing the band’s continued commitment to visual artistry alongside their sonic explorations. The band recorded much of the album in a custom home studio setup designed specifically to capture their unique ambient textures and experimental soundscapes. The “Oganesson” single release will feature a companion remix EP with contributions from notable artists including Saul Williams and The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.
The creative process behind “Touch” involved extensive restructuring of loose musical themes developed at Soma Studios. Band members meticulously edited and reworked compositions, sometimes shelving ideas before revisiting them with fresh perspective. The band’s geographic dispersion across Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago has fundamentally transformed their collaborative approach to songwriting.
This approach has resulted in tracks like “Gesceap,” which evolves from minimal synthesizer foundations to dynamic full-band crescendos.
To support the new release, Tortoise will commence a special concert series spanning October and November 2025, with performances scheduled in Los Angeles, Texas, Chicago, New York, and London’s prestigious Barbican Centre. The band plans to capitalize on their return by offering exclusive sync licensing opportunities for their new compositions in film and television productions, creating additional revenue streams beyond traditional album sales.
The tour kicks off with a show at The Broad contemporary art museum in Los Angeles and includes a notable collaboration with the Chicago Philharmonic, suggesting an ambitious blend of experimental rock and orchestral elements that promises to reward fans who have patiently awaited the band’s return.
