Released on March 7, 2025, through InsideOut Music, Curious Ruminant marks Jethro Tull’s 24th studio album and their third in four years, following The Zealot Gene (2022) and RökFlöte (2023). Led by Ian Anderson (flutes, vocals, acoustic and tenor guitars, mandolin), the album features current band members David Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (piano, keyboards, accordion), Scott Hammond (drums), and guitarist Jack Clark, making his recording debut, alongside contributions from former keyboardist Andrew Giddings and drummer James Duncan. Comprising nine tracks ranging from 2.5 to nearly 17 minutes, the album blends progressive rock, folk, and acoustic elements, evoking Tull’s 1970s folk trilogy (Songs from the Wood, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch) while incorporating modern production and lyrical introspection.

Tracks like “Puppet and the Puppet Master” and the title track “Curious Ruminant” showcase Anderson’s flute-driven melodies and intricate arrangements, with accordion, mandolin, and acoustic guitars reinforcing the band’s folk roots. The near-17-minute epic “Drink From the Same Well” explores historical and social themes, though some critics note its heavy folk leanings contrast with Tull’s harder rock edges. “Interim Sleep,” a poetic closer, reflects on loss over gentle music. Developed from unfinished demos and new compositions started in May 2024, the album balances nostalgia with contemporary commentary on politics and society, as seen in “Over Jerusalem” and “Dunsinane Hill.”