Lotus : Synthbuljong

The European jazz/psych quartet Lotus’ debut release Synthbuljong is a force to be reckoned with. The band – which consists of percussionist Olaf Olsen (Fra Det Onde, Needlepoint), Chris Holm (Orions Belte, Sondre Lerches band), alto saxophonist Signe Emmeluth, and experimental electric guitarist Karl Bjorå – are not making your grandpa’s jazz music(unless grandpa was listening to some pretty progressive jazz.) Their El Paraiso Records debut is a mixture of modal jazz, fusion, improvisational high wire pyrotechnics, and psych freakouts. Sometimes in the same song.

Touching on everything from Jon Abercrombie’s Gateway, Coltrane’s Ascension, and the burly rock-meets-jazz sounds of John Etheridge-era Soft Machine, Lotus’ Synthbuljong is the real deal.

Let’s start with the album side closer “Synthgitar”, a nearly 18-minute explosion of fiery sound. The song opens in a calm way, but quickly explodes into a cacophony of noise. Karl Bjorå’s guitar playing takes the spotlight here, bringing to mind what it would sounds like with Thurston Moore laying it down with John Coltrane’s classic quartet. Signe Emmeluth’s sax playing is both melodic and chaotic, matching Bjorå’s guitar prowess squeal for squeal. Of course this quartet is led by master percussionist Olaf Olsen. His powerful playing and tasteful percussive touches give this band both the freedom to shoot for the outer regions, while still having a pad to land back down to earth on.

“Synthgitar” is what this record ends on, while we begin in the hefty grooves of title track “Synthbuljong” and the gorgeous “Ballade”. “Synthbuljong” comes out of the gate like some growling beast. Olsen lays down a frenetic beat, buzzing around like an impending storm but never losing the groove. Bjorå and Emmeluth play a sort of musical quid pro quo, a chaotic back and forth that builds tension throughout.

“Ballade” captures the feel of a fall walk just before dusk. It’s bittersweet saxophone and understated guitar feels like a classic jazz ballad in the style of Coltrane, in-particular his work on the underappreciated Coltrane’s Sound. I can also hear bits of the great Jeff Parker and John Scofield in Karl Bjorå’s understated playing. It’s a much-appreciated reprieve from the sonic workout we get from what came before.

Lotus’ Synthbuljong is yet another exciting and forward-thinking release from El Paraiso Records. These four musicians have made an exquisite and forward-thinking jazz album. One that stands out in the pantheon of 21st century jazz. An adventurous record that redefines what a jazz truly can be.

Lotus’ ‘Synthbuljong’ is out this Friday, 8/30. Buy it here.