Lotus: The Strength of Weak Ties

For Lotus, the constant touring seems to have finally begun to pay off. Eventually any band on the live music circuit has to reach that “make-it or break-it point,” and with the release of their third album, The Strength of Weak Ties, (released April 4th on Harmonized Records) the Philadelphian organic electronic quintet may have pushed over the proverbial hump. What becomes most apparent throughout this album is Lotus’ maturation as a band and as individual musicians. While Nomad, the band’s second album, flowed smoothly from start to finish, it left a taste of “there could be more” on the listener’s palate. Though still good, it felt like a live band taking their live sound into the studio, and it came out sounding like a glorified bootleg. All the talent and head-bobbing grooves were present, but a sonic void remained after all was said and done. With the new album, Lotus goes deeper into their songwriting and compositions, leaving little room for the “what if?” Clear and concise, it offers a portrait of what a band known for their live shows can produce in the studio setting. Finally, they have created a work of art that will appeal to a target audience outside of the jam scene, while still captivating the faithful “old schoolers.” Calling Lotus a rock band may catch some off guard, but a rock band they are. Before any of the ultra-technological, post-modern gadgetry, samplers, and synthesizers, Lotus maintained a jazzy, organic sound. Mike Rempel, the band’s crafty lead guitarist, has stayed true to his sometimes delicate, sometime ripping guitar style. Chuck Morris (percussion) has added a HandSonic and other intricate grains to fill-in spaces, as do the Miller brothers, who write the vast majority of the band’s tunes. Although the sound has been driven by an eclectic fervor for futuristic flavor, Lotus has remained genuine to their core. When the dust settles, they continue to be a rock & roll band with a range of jazz, funk, world, and electronic textures further amplifying and coloring an increasingly polyphonic product.

The difference is that Lotus now enjoys a much more complete sound…check it out!!!

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About grnarrow

Setlist Architect/Art Scene Checker-Outer/Sound Feeler

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