"To me Lotus is about, number one, making people dance; number two, group improvisation; and number three, tight composition," said Lotus guitarist Luke Miller.
Taking these three key components on a feverous road schedule that has included 68 stops - everywhere from Charleston, S.C. to Minneapolis, Minn. - has made Lotus a musical machine.
Electronic jam band Lotus will take the stage Saturday night at the revamped Pearl Street Brewery. Fresh off their first national tour, the group recently released a new CD "Germination," on Virgin Records.
With the band's roots dating back merely a few years, Lotus has quickly thrust themselves onto the national jam scene, playing for packed bars, clubs, gyms and theaters on a nearly nightly basis.
Formed in Goshen, Ind., the five founding members have developed a unique sound. Incorporating elements of jazz, funk, electronic, drum 'n' bass, rock 'n' roll and Latin, to name a few, has earned Lotus praise from an eclectic crowd.
"The sound is surreal, making you want to shake your hands in the air and thank God you're alive," said the online magazine HighOnSound, a jam music staple.
Combining tight drum licks with conservative, yet mesmerizing, bass lines - not to mention skillfully elegant dueling guitars and captivating melodies - Lotus has delved deep into their sonic palate. The blissful sound offers a feeling of heightened senses, leaving fans with the feeling of a warmed soul.
Homegrown Music Network approved of "Germination," stating, "Lotus puts the human touch into electronica and brings deep grooves to instrumental music." With the release of the album, the band embarked on a 20-plus-date tour of country. Their constant touring has left the band on the brink of passing out from exhaustion.
This weekend's concert will be their second time back to the Queen City, and the boys from Indiana look forward to another stellar night of music and entertainment.
"Buffalo will be our 69th show for 2003," said Miller. "The last time we were here the crowd was about 75 percent women, we were informed of the nickname 'B-Lo,' and we lost our trailer on the side of the road."
Even with the loss of their expensive and much-needed trailer, Lotus pushed on and are delighted to be returning to Buffalo.
"Overall, minus the whole trailer thing, it was a great time," says Miller. "We are playing upstairs where there is a ton of dancing space, and the decor and beer are both on point."
Now that the writing process has been rolling along smoothly, and several key gigs have gained them wider exposure, they've played with the Disco Biscuits and at Berkfest, Lotus is staring straight at the sky, the possibilities unbound.
Their show this Saturday will doubtlessly differ from the usual downtown fare. DJ Bill B will open the show at 10 p.m. Tickets to the 21-plus show are $6.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
