Lotus: Build

Words By J-man

Build opens with a track called "Break Build Burn" that conjures images of an era long before Lotus' rise to the top; An era where horns and arranged music dominated the lounges. A subtle hint of current day sounds tease until the track drops and the two worlds collide in a chaotic scramble. "Massif" comes next and eludes to a much more characteristic sound. Dance beat in place, a dirty synth opens up a world that many Lotus fans are all too familiar with. A plethora of tones offer new possibilities of innovation while still paying homage to those electro bands that have come before and at the same time staying true to the band's sound. "What Did I Do Wrong" grabs the listener's attention with a haunting organ that transcends expected normality and welcomes it's electro counterpart, more synth. Siren like highs come crashing down with digital blips, all while the initial organ remains. Through straight forward progressions come wailing lead guitar work and an increasing tempo that fans are sure to enjoy.

A sort of backbeat drum layer falls into place on "Uffi," with a synth that sounds like a horn section cuing the guitar. The song's mid-section is a fantastic tonal exploration that achieves lift off and dosn't return to reality until the song's close. "Middle Road" starts with a sound reminiscent of Medeski, Martin & Wood, before leveling out to a funky groove, more fitting for the vocal samples that intertwined with great instrumentation. "Kodiac" wastes no time in climbing to soaring heights. The track's layered composition creates a sonic barrage before resolving to the song's main riff. Prior to its close, "Kodiac" once again reached for the stars, creating what will ultimately translate into an epic live experience. From the darker side of Lotus comes "Cutinuo," a menacing track that gets about as "whompy" and "glitchy" as Lotus permits on this album. "Aschon" continues with a very similar feel, leaning heavy on electronics and minor scales.

A brief sample leads off "Neon Tubes Part 1" before the songs floor falls out and danceable space ensues, utilizing heavy synth and once again, an increasing beat. "Neon Tubes Part 1" turns into "Neon Tubes Part 2" and gets significantly dirtier. "Part 2" may be the most irresistible track on Build. "Am I at Burning Man? No. I am in my living room listening to Lotus," I reassured myself on multiple occasions during this extended beauty. What a fitting way to close an album like Build. The album is an adventurous exploration of sounds both familiar and previously unfamiliar to fans of Lotus' realm of music. The band does a great job of bridging the instrumental and electronic gap with precision and a masterful approach from seasoned musicians. Build is a perfect reflection of where Lotus is developmentally as a band. Purchase this album.

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