The rock/electronic/jam/multi-genre band Lotus has effectively created the musical term, “jamtronica.” Across a 25-year career they have mixed synthesizers and other instruments with elements of house music in ways that have transcended the world of “jam bands.” They’ve just released their 11th studio album, How to Dream in Color, and if you haven’t yet been stung by their infectious form of funky electronic vibes, it just might happen in this powerful collection of songs.
This is the band’s first studio record since the tragic passing of their longtime percussionist, Chuck Morris in a kayaking accident. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for them, as well as an exceptional musical celebration of Chuck’s life, friendship, and creative contributions.
Lotus adapted their recording process to honor his memory while embracing new creative directions. The band gravitated toward a layered drum sound to maintain the rhythmic complexity that Morris contributed to their music. This collage-based approach allowed them to create even more intricate and diverse soundscapes.
Lotus, How to Dream in Color, album cover.
I dug deeper into their music by spinning their limited-edition 2-LP translucent vinyl release, and while the packaging probably had nothing to do with the album’s fidelity, it didn’t hurt. Here, the packaging never over-sells the content, but instead enjoys equal footing in excellence.
The album’s singles, "Watching the Distant Storm" and "How Do I Come Down" have already garnered significant attention. "Watching the Distant Storm" has surpassed 30,000 streams on Spotify, while "How Do I Come Down" has achieved over 56,000. Both tracks have been featured on Spotify's "Modern Jam Band" playlist and Apple Music's "New In Rock" playlist.
How to Dream in Color spans 12 tracks, blending instrumental prowess with occasional vocal contributions from longtime collaborator Gabe Otto. The title of the album was inspired by the dreamlike quality of the music and the idea of evoking a sense of limitless possibilities. This theme of boundless creativity is evident throughout the album, inviting listeners to explore the vibrant and expansive realms of Lotus' musical vision.
Leading off the album, the single "How Do I Come Down" stands out as a rock-driven track, highlighted by Tim Palmieri's scorching guitar parts. This song captures the energetic and improvisational spirit of Lotus' live performances, blending rock elements seamlessly with their signature electronic sound. Describing the creation of “How Do I Come Down,” Luke Miller (guitar, keys) shared, “This track is a manifesto for the entire album – a dream scenario where anything is possible yet flows like water.”
Bassist Jesse Miller added, “The tonality moves between major and minor keys, akin to driving through a mountain highway, transitioning between light, dark, and the exhilarating unknown. We have done records in the past where it's old school with the whole band in the studio, playing each track live and capturing everyone playing. But with this record our initial idea was to make these little ‘cells’ and build from there. So, without Chuck we decided not to do the live studio thing and it ended up being more collage-based. That informed things even more than the writing process.”
"Watching the Distant Storm," the second single, captures the essence of Lotus' signature sound while pushing the boundaries of their musical exploration. This track melds lush synth textures with intricate guitar melodies, creating a soundscape that is both expansive and intimate. The song's dynamic progression evokes a sense of journey and anticipation, perfectly encapsulating the album's dream-like theme. With its driving rhythms and evocative harmonies, Watching the Distant Storm has quickly resonated with fans and new listeners alike.
What really sets this record apart are Tim Palmieri’s guitar parts. They take what at times might come across as just a sophisticated approach to house music, and add rock elements that draw the listener in and holds them tight. The tone of his guitar is remarkably close to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, and the band wisely places his contributions right in the middle of the mix. It’s as though they are considered equals to the synths, and the balance that results makes you lean in a bit more to really appreciate Palmieri’s technique and tone. His contributions transform the entire record.
Lotus’ How to Dream in Color tour runs through October, including stops at the Rock the Dock event in Lake George, New York, the Secret Dreams Festival in Thornville, Ohio, and their annual flagship Summerdance Music Festival in Garrettsville, OH.
How To Dream In Color Fall Tour Dates
October 2 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
October 3 – Toad's Place, New Haven, CT
October 4 – State Theatre, Portland, ME
October 5 – Higher Ground, Burlington, VT
October 9 – Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA
October 10 – Salvage Station, Asheville, NC
October 11 – Music Farm, Charleston, SC
October 12 – Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola, FL
October 13 – Tipitina's Uptown, New Orleans, LA
October 16 – Mars Music Hall, Huntsville, AL
October 17 – Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC
October 18 – Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC
October 19 – The Recher, Towson, MD
October 24 – Washington's, Fort Collins, CO
October 25 - 26 – Summit Music Hall, Denver, CO
