Lotus
Lotus, Michael Wilbur (of Moon Hooch)
Lodge Room104 Avenue 56, Los Angeles 90042
Lotus bring their four-piece show to Lodge Room, with Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch featured on the bill. Expect a set built around the band's meeting point of electronic dance music and jamband improvisation: tightly composed material can open into guitar solos, modular-synth passages and freeranging group interplay. The evening also arrives in the orbit of their 11th studio album, How To Dream In Color, a 12-track collection that moves through mostly instrumental soundscapes while incorporating traditional and electronically manipulated vocals, guest horns, violin and handpan.
Over two decades of active US touring, Lotus have grown from club shows to major stages, including 15 appearances at Red Rocks, and have become regular festival favorites at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Electric Forest. Their annual Summerdance festival in Garrettsville, Ohio, reaches its 16th anniversary this year. The band's sound draws on psychedelic rock, krautrock, post-rock, disco and funk, with a live approach designed to connect dance rhythms to exploratory playing. On How To Dream In Color, old 8-track reel-to-reel demos meet hi-fi studio production; highlights include the driving krautrock instrumental “In the Shadow of the Mountain,” the groove-led “Watching the Distant Storm,” and opener “How Do I Come Down,” featuring vocals from Gabe Otto.
The Lodge Room offers a distinctive live music experience on the second floor of a building in Highland Park, where the room’s modest size brings the stage close to the audience, creating a direct connection with the performers. The venue features a bar but does not serve full meals, encouraging guests to focus on the music while enjoying drinks. Shows typically start in the evening, with doors opening around 7 pm and performances beginning an hour later, often including multiple sets or late-night shows. Seating is limited and generally first come first served, so arriving early can secure a good spot. The space’s walls and layout emphasize the music, making it a place to listen attentively while still allowing for a relaxed social vibe. This venue remains a lively part of the local music scene, hosting a range of artists and styles.