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Tortoise Family Connections – Extraterrestrial Kestrel

Tortoise Family Connections – Extraterrestrial Kestral
Allsorted Records
5/5

Things that are right under your nose often pass you right on by. This was never going to happen with this group. Way back in August, I received a phone call that went something like this: ‘Hi Mark, where are you, I have a demo you need to hear right now!’. Within the hour, I had my sticky hands on what has turned into this mini-album. To say it’s the best recorded material by a local artist is to do it a disservice, as this is one of the best debut records I have heard this year.

Over the past few months it’s been my worst kept secret as I have made anyone who will listen sit down until it’s washed over them. Opinionated I may well be, but this is a slice of psych-meets-garage along with some more delicate harmonies. Indeed, ‘Holy Ghost’ has such a sparse feel that it’s hard to believe it’s part of the same record. Nestled in the middle of this six-track offering, it manages to break up the the intensity you feel from the rest of the album.

So who are Tortoise Family Connections? Well, they’re one part Kabeedies in the shape of Rory and one part These Ghosts in the shape of drummer Callum. Recorded at the Mill Studio and dropping 28th November on Allsorted Records, you should add it your list of must-have releases. The band play the fantastic Camden Wheelbarrow on Tuesday 29th November – for those in London it’s a free gig. This is this month’s must buy selection!