Instrumental quintet Lotus has announced the details for their new studio release Citrus. Recorded at Spice House Sound in Philadelphia during the same studio sessions as the band's 2020 album Free Swim, the 7 track EP is set for full independent release on April 6, 2021. The first single “Phantom Tooth” is streaming now with a new track to be released each week.
“Citrus is the chill-out session to the Free Swim pool party,” says bassist/producer Jesse Miller. “The music is more downtempo, drawing from 70s space-funk, rock and West African music. We've never played these songs live before, but I think they will feel like old favorites.” Tune in here each Tuesday for new songs, merch packages and more.
“Phantom Tooth” is a funky groove built around an aerobic bass line. The 70s jazz-fusion influence is distinct with analog synth, organ and a searing guitar solo over a gritty beat. The song is available now to stream & download here along with pre-orders and merch packages.
Lotus has always been difficult to define musically; an instrumental jamband that has favored groove-based improvisation instead of gaudy solos and noodling. Influences of classic electronic dance music, funk, post-rock and dance-rock have all made their way into the Lotus sound. Over the years, their unique musical blend helped forge a fresh path in the jamband landscape, influencing many younger bands in the scene. Albums such as their debut studio release, Nomad (2006) have become a touchstone for how to organically fuse elements of electronica with jam music, and the band continues to evolve through each tour and album bringing in new sounds and writing styles. Since their formation two decades ago, Lotus – Mike Greenfield (drums), Jesse Miller (bass, modular synth), Luke Miller (keyboards, guitar), Mike Rempel (guitar) and Chuck Morris (percussion) – has toured actively throughout the US working their way up from dingy basement clubs to world-class venues such as Red Rocks. They've become festival favorites, playing everything from Bonnaroo, Camp Bisco and Outside Lands to Ultra Music Festival and Electric Forest, building a hyper-loyal following along the way. Lotus also hosts their annual SummerDance Festival in Garrettsville, Ohio. A Lotus live show is an experience, a uniquely crafted and improvised set taking everyone, the crowd and band, on a journey.
The journey continues with Citrus, packed with the band’s signature catchy melodies and killer grooves. Tune in, take a breather, and unwind.
CITRUS TRACK LISTING
1. Journey to Saturn
2. Citrus
3. Phantom Tooth
4. Year of the Jaguar
5. Condor
6. Fields of Mint
7. Drifting Away from Shore
