Lotus's Self-titled Album
Although Lotus’s music pretty much lets you know that the group is not meant to be pigeonholed in any way, the only way to frame this group of multi-instrument welding artists is to picture a bicycle wheel and to envision the wind blowing through the spokes, creating an array of movements and mesh of colors. This non-linear approach towards looking at this band of musicians could also be super-imposed to depict the visuals onstage.
Known for arming their sets with an intense light rig, many have testified to their live performances, claiming that the gritty and sweat-enthused crowds were further energized and amped under Lotus’s musical guidance. From pictures seen from their live performances, the sets are a vision, with the lighting effects resembling sun beams and the rays of light sending off cosmic vibrations into the crowd.
The visual presentation of their live performances also synchronizes very well to their sound and style. Lotus’s tendency to create rich soundscapes with their music, a cacophony of sound interspersed with bits of language, demonstrates the band’s ability to hone into atmosphere and ambiance. Composed of Mike Greenfield (drums), Jesse Miller (Bass, Sampler), Luke Miller (Guitar, Keys), and Mike Rempel (Guitar), each band member contributes in their own way to the overall genuine talent of the group.
Noteworthy songs include tracks where the soul of funk, rap, and dance all with an electro beat-variety are arrestingly urgent. Though the first few songs on the release are more low-keyed, as the self-titled album starts to progressively coalesce together, Lotus’s distinct style of guitar-bass-drums instrumentation emerges with a more dance-club feel.
Favorites off the album include, “The Surf,” the only track off the self-titled release that has vocals, but emits a sort of jaunty pop-song feel, and the album closer, “Orchids,” is a beautifully rendered song with a melody that backtracks into nostalgia and longing.
The group, who has performed in a wide circuit, everywhere from Bonnaroo to Ultra Music Fest, demonstrates that once again you don’t need words to convey strong emotions. The mood and intense aura off this compilation is like a small, invisible projectile shooting right into the crowd dissembling all bad feelings and negativity off into the distance. On that note, if you want to catch some Lotus vibes live, check out one of their band websites for more tour info, or if you want to listen to a few tracks off their latest album, Lotus is currently up for grabs now!
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