The instrumental-electronic four piece group Lotus is set to release their new studio album on August 21, 2020. “Free Swim” is a ten track full length album that was written and produced by the group’s Jesse and Luke Miller and was recorded earlier this year at Spice House Sound in Philadelphia. It provides listeners with groovy experiences. Dance vibes. Funky beats. Ingenious musical combinations and a few curve balls that I didn’t see coming.
You want the epitome of groove and funk? Look no further than “Turtlehead“. The drums start off in the pocket and live there for the remainder of the track. The bass was so groovy and loose I kept changing my mind as to whether or not I was hearing an upright bass. Bass and drums. Oh heck yes.
But the enchantment didn’t stop there. When the guitars come in I am softly moved to a place where people like Tim Mahoney (311) and Mike Einziger (Incubus) seem to take me. To tell you the truth – I may have envisioned a few lines in there sung by Brandon Boyd. I couldn’t help it, that’s the kind of effect a well put together track has on me.
That wasn’t the only guitar stimulating my brain. When the lead guitar comes in, we are treated to a slightly over-driven sound that almost puts you on notice that you are fully in the verse.
But then about a minute-fifty in..
We go synth and the song pushes the boundaries a little further and the track shuffles ahead and seamlessly transitions back to another tranquil verse.
I mentioned at the beginning about a few curve balls. Those transition definitely qualify as that but before we exit this article, I want to point your attention to the closing track on Free Swim for just a moment.
“The Land Of Lush” absolutely had me fooled. It starts one way and I am confident we are going straight kick here – in time.. and BOOM – half time?? I LOVED it. The song took on an entirely different personality and that groove was alive and well once again and for the final time on this terrific album. Oh and what the heck, let’s throw in another funky bassline just for the hell of it.
This album will take you many places and these two songs are great examples of the bright minds behind Lotus.
Take a listen below to their single “Catacombs“, that definitely checks the box – “all of the above” of everything I mentioned to start the review.
-Tommy Marz
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- Catacombs
- Turtlehead
- Free Swim
- Sepia Rainbow
- One-Eyed Jones
- Bjorn Gets A Haircut
- Straight Blade
- Earl of Grey
- Snake Island
- Land of the Lush