Simple undeniable truths: Water is wet. The sun sets in the west. The internet makes us all stupid. And if El Paraiso Records goes Free Jazz it's always worth giving it an ear.
LOTUS - Synthbuljong (eco mix random coloured vinyl LP) (2024)
I must admit that on first sight the cover and title of this mini album led me to rather expect Electronic Ambient/Krautrock material, maybe something in the vein of Videodrones.
On the back cover however we find liner notes as most common on classic Jazz records, telling us the not too exciting story of four Norwegian musicians coming together to see what happens. It's such a standard narration that I even understood most of it before I let Google translate it from Norwegian to German. But who cares about a lack of dramatic twists and turns and action in real life, when the music itself definitely is very exciting.
Lotus play a vibrant kind of Electric Free Jazz Fusion with a percussive energy resembling that of Santana's legendary live recording "Lotus". The opener/title track "Synthbuljong" sounds as if the drummer had five arms, and if you've ever seen Olaf Olsen live (for example with his trio Fra Det Onde), you know that's actually the case. At least if I remember it correctly.
In this quartet he teams up with saxophonist Signe Emmeluth, guitar player Karl Bjorå (WIZRD) and bassist Chris Holm.
No matter if the band keeps things rather quiet ("Ballade") or rides through a long dynamic journey of all intensities (the B-side "Synthgitar"), the synergy of the rhythm section and the creative back and forth between the often Psychedelic guitar and the bright Spiritual melodies and quick staccatos of the saxophone make this record a captivating experience at any given moment.
The natural production perfectly supports the music, just as much as the vinyl colour compliments the artwork. Even though I can only speak for my personal copy, since it comes in random colours on recycled material. So they really don't all have this ideal green tone? Such a good match.
Looks good, sounds great... Anyone who's at least a bit Jazz-savvy and enjoys experimental improvised instrumentals without strictly walled genre borders, should give this little gem a chance!
On the back cover however we find liner notes as most common on classic Jazz records, telling us the not too exciting story of four Norwegian musicians coming together to see what happens. It's such a standard narration that I even understood most of it before I let Google translate it from Norwegian to German. But who cares about a lack of dramatic twists and turns and action in real life, when the music itself definitely is very exciting.
Lotus play a vibrant kind of Electric Free Jazz Fusion with a percussive energy resembling that of Santana's legendary live recording "Lotus". The opener/title track "Synthbuljong" sounds as if the drummer had five arms, and if you've ever seen Olaf Olsen live (for example with his trio Fra Det Onde), you know that's actually the case. At least if I remember it correctly.
In this quartet he teams up with saxophonist Signe Emmeluth, guitar player Karl Bjorå (WIZRD) and bassist Chris Holm.
No matter if the band keeps things rather quiet ("Ballade") or rides through a long dynamic journey of all intensities (the B-side "Synthgitar"), the synergy of the rhythm section and the creative back and forth between the often Psychedelic guitar and the bright Spiritual melodies and quick staccatos of the saxophone make this record a captivating experience at any given moment.
The natural production perfectly supports the music, just as much as the vinyl colour compliments the artwork. Even though I can only speak for my personal copy, since it comes in random colours on recycled material. So they really don't all have this ideal green tone? Such a good match.
Looks good, sounds great... Anyone who's at least a bit Jazz-savvy and enjoys experimental improvised instrumentals without strictly walled genre borders, should give this little gem a chance!
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