Lotus kicked off its 2024 touring on Friday with close to three hours of high-energy, funky jamtronica at XL Live in Harrisburg, PA. After a year of unexpected loss, turmoil, and transition, Lotus was ready to start the new year fresh and ready for the future. The sold-out, blissed-out crowd was right there with them, and for two packed and stacked sets (and the obligatory encore) of instrumental tunes spanning their entire catalog, plus a little Pink Floyd sprinkled in for good measure, everyone got their collective groove on.
Brothers Jesse and Luke Miller, on bass and synths/guitar, respectively, have been making music together since they were young, and the intrinsic tightness of their musical bond is reflected in the jams they drop on smiling crowds like Friday’s packed audience. The dynamic duo was supported by Mike Greenfield‘s crisp drumming, while Lotus’ newest member, guitarist Tim Palmieri, interwove his signature blend of funk, soul, spacey chords, and shredding to amazing effect. The first set flew by, with the wall of sound produced by the band rarely relenting.
After a short set break, the quartet came back, instantly picking up where they had left off. “Catacombs” came and went before a choice “Arupa” into “Nematode” jam featured an intriguing mix of organic and digital sounds.
When sharp-eared fans noticed the turn towards Pink Floyd’s “Echoes”, a cheer rose up that spread smiles through the room, including to those on stage. While the rest of the band put their own spin on the track, Palmieri was a his most impressive of the evening. Whether it was the crunchy chord work, the soaring solos originally laid down by David Gilmore, or just reinforcing the main line of the tune, Palmieri shined with guitar hero chops.
A set-closing “Bellwether” and “Hammerstrike” encore capped off Lotus’ first heater of 2024 on a high note, a sure sign of good things to come this year. The band’s tour continues this week with shows in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. For a full list of upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit the band’s website.
Lotus – “Grayrigg”, “Stranger Danger” – 1/12/24
Lotus – “Echoes” (Pink Floyd) – 1/12/24
[Video: Carl Schell]
View this post on Instagram
Setlist: Lotus | XL Lice | Harrisburg, PA | 1/12/24
Set 1: Grayrigg, Stranger Danger > Nematode, Kodiak (last played 1.27.23), Pluck > Shimmer & Out
Set 2: Catacombs, Tar Pits > Arupa (with drum machine/modular jam > Mink & Shoes > ambient > Echoes (Pink Floyd last played 1.29.23), Bellwether
Encore : Hammerstrike
The post Lotus Launches Tour In PA With Two-Set Dance Party Featuring Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” [Photos/Videos] appeared first on L4LM.
