The first time I ingested a certain party-enhancing substance in a live music setting happened to be at a Lotus show. It was a late night festival set and at that moment the band’s deep instrumental grooves sounded sweeter than anything I’d ever heard. Like many first time experiences, it felt transformative. That was almost ten years ago, and while I certainly don’t get down like I used to and usually don’t spend my time obsessing over “jamtronica” bands, Lotus still holds a special place. For this reason it was exciting to see the Philly quintet return to Austin on a Friday night to play the biggest venue they’ve headlined in this town.
Whereas fellow scenesters the Disco Biscuits incessantly peak and explode in their jams, and Sound Tribe Sector 9 is constantly building only to plateau, Lotus has always managed to strike a balance between both styles. Both sets at Stubb’s reflected the band’s ability to groove at a steady pace; slowing down, building up, peaking and exploding at all the right moments. These days Lotus is a well-oiled machine capable of cranking out tight, instrumental dance music. Unlike other bands in the jam scene, Lotus always seems to be developing their sound. Throughout their set at Stubb’s they explored various styles of dance music, touching on trance, house, and funky disco elevator music. Songs like “Jump Off” and “It’s All Clear To Me Now” have been a part of their live repertoire for years, but the songs have stayed fresh due to the band’s ability to breath new life into them every time they are played. The highlight of the night may have come in the first set when the band welcomed members of opening act Kung Fu for a bouncy, funked up take on Herbie Hancock’s jazz fusion classic “The Traitor”. Through it all the audience raved right along with the band, feeding off every musical twist and turn.
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It’s been an exciting trip to see Lotus grow and develop their sound over the years. In an age where dance music is dominated by mindless button-pushers there is something refreshing about a group of individuals who can create a different musical experience using real instruments every time they play. Their flawless set at Stubb’s was only further proof that this band is always getting better and finding new directions to take their sound. I may not get down the way I used to, but Lotus still knows how to hit my sweet spot.
Setlist:
128
Break Build Burn
Nematode
Kesey Seed
Jump Off
The Traitor*
Let Me In
—————-
Inspector Norse
Basin to Benin^
Livingston Storm ->
Massif
IACTMN ->
Shimmer & Out
Age of Inexperience
E: Disappear in a Blood Red Sky
* Herbie Hancock – w/ Todd, Tim and Adrian from Kung Fu
^ w/ Rob from Kung Fu on Sax
All photos by Arthur VanRooy.
