It was the mention of Oslo-based folky prog rockers Needlepoint that caught my eye here — the band’s 2021 album, Walking Up That Valley (review here), continues to provide organic escapism on the regular — but Olaf Olsen‘s involvement in Fra Det Onde is probably more relevant, since that band issued an LP through El Paraiso previously and that connection would seem to be carrying over to this three-song debut full-length from the free-jazz/psych-minded Lotus, titled Synthbuljong, the title-track of which is streaming at the bottom of this post.

Preorders for the LP are up now, and I’ll readily acknowledge this one isn’t going to be for everybody, but whether you’re looking for a divergence from a heavy rock norm or just trying to appreciate something that’s willfully fusing ideas across genre lines and capturing an organic instrumentalist dynamic — hey, it happens — “Synthbuljong” is a trip you might want to take. El Paraiso gonna El Paraiso, for sure, but as the label headed by members of Causa Sui presses further in its mission to unite the worlds of psych, rock, jazz, and so on, Lotus would seem to fit right in.

Info and preorder link from the PR wire:

Lotus: Synthbuljong

Preorder link: https://elparaisorecords.com/product/lotus-synthbuljong/

Out August 30th! 300 LP on eco mix (randomly coloured) vinyl.

Lotus is led by the rhythmic prowess of percussionist Olaf Olsen (Fra Det Onde, Needlepoint). Olaf joins forces with electric bassist Chris Holm (Orions Belte, Sondre Lerches band) as well as Norwegian-based Danish alto saxophonist Signe Emmeluth. Finalising the line-up is electric guitarist Karl Bjorå, known for his unique sonic creations – such as making his guitar oscillate like a synthesizer! Pulling momentum from the individual members’ diverse backgrounds in psychedelic rock, pop, jazz and improvisational music, Lotus creates a sound that transcends genre boundaries.

“Synthbuljong,” their debut album, brilliantly captures the band’s vibrant energy. Recorded partially during one of their electrifying concerts in Bergen, Lotus intentionally incorporated the live experience seamlessly into the album. From the raw Coltrane-meets-Sonic Youth energy of the opening track, to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of “Ballade”, the album takes the listener on a trip. The collaborative synergy of the musicians blend seamlessly in the seventeen-minute opus, “Synthgitar,” pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration.

The group taps into a Scandinavian history of high-powered, multi-cultural free jazz, but goes off on their own contemporary tangent. This is the kind of music that demands surrender from the listener – just lean back and let the lush, organic sound of Lotus wash over you. Includes liner notes by Audun Vinger.

Tracklisting:
A1 Synthbuljong
A2 Ballade
B1 Synthgitar

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Lotus, “Synthbuljong”