It must be a mixed-blessing for Tortoise that they are often labeled as the “godfather of Post-Rock” in the press. They certainly are one of the first bands to be known for purely instrumental, arranged rock pieces. They most certainly transcend “rock” genres, moving freely between standard rock power chords, jazz arrangements and electronic soundscapes, with a bit of dub thrown in for good measure. It would be an injustice, however, to simply throw Tortoise into what is now the “post-rock” genre, despite being the progenitors of the genre itself.

In fact, during their set at the Black Cat on Saturday night, Chicago-based Tortoise proved themselves to be musically uncategorizable, though simultaneously projecting the aura of a band that knows its way around the jam-band circuit. Whether it was the smell of nagchampa permeating the air, or the whoops and hollers of the audience during every interlude, one couldn’t help but think that a certain illegal, smokable, substance coupled with a more grassy dance floor wouldn’t be just a little more fitting as their musical backdrop. As it were, the video–projection that was the literal backdrop on Saturday night seemed a bit dated (with one portion looking as though it came straight from Tron) and simplistic. However, during the set, the projection seemed to meld more with the music and became more of an accompaniment than a visual distraction.