Lotus: Hammerstrike

Lotus has been a band I have been trying to catch for a long time now, but they don't exactly frequent the left side of the country. One thing that will change that is a new album and subsequent tour. Before I check out their show on Oct 16 I thought I would check out some of their material, let's jump right into their new album Hammerstrike

1. Behind Midwest Storefronts - Nice subtle opener, very spacey. Not what I was expecting for a band that has been given the ominous Jamtronica label. More of this and we are going to be a good team.
2. Age of Inexperience - Aside from the great song title, this is actually quite radio friendly. I wasn't expecting much of that on this album. Nice groove, more indie rock sounding than anything else. Fun guitar on this track. I'm guessing the second half of this track is similar to what you can expect at most of their shows, as of now that is not a complaint.
3. Hammerstrike - Title tracks are always tricky, just increases the expectations. Especially when you throw it in the third spot, luckily Hammerstrike sounds fun and so I now yell it whenever I am dominating something. Like say I am at a restaurant and the waiter asks me if I want some freshly ground pepper on my salad, I politely reply "Hammerstrike motherfucker!". As for the song it's essentially a meditation on guitar wanking. No complaints here, but it's not going on any mixtapes either.
4. Bellwether - Ladies and gentleman, we have a vocoder! And as usual: Vocoder = Dance Party. Someone break out the Carlton!
5. Modicum - I can't shake the feeling that I have lost something when I listen to this song. The nice part is it's one of those situations where I am actually not that bummed to have lost the thing I have lost, but I am also really excited to find it. So I am smiling and happy the whole time but I am still looking for something. I love this feeling.
6. Invincibility of Youth - Feels like an anthem for something, presumably something about invincibility and youth. I guess that is what the tough title is all about. By far the shortest song on the album so far, but a nice fit.
7. One Last Hurrah - My first thought is this is amazing video game music. My second thought is this song is awesome.
8. Alkaline - Another fun groove, these guys would really work in the video game world if this whole touring band thing doesn't work out. Good song, spooky, perfect for Halloween or driving on mushrooms.
9. Turquoise - Part 80s new wave, part swanky nightclub. One of the two songs on the albums with some actual vocals, it works for me. It seems like the band is almost scared to add vocals to their jams but when they do it comes off pretty natural, which is not always the case with bands that have very few vocals.
10. Disappear In A Blood-Red Sky - A fine closer, probably a fun experiment in person, but nothing that really makes me super pumped. Seems like the song could use some actual vocals instead of only oohs and aahs, but that may just be the Turquoise hangover too.

When I was refreshing up on tracks after my initial listen it was funny as it felt that they had all already started to grow on me. To give a sample for your listening and viewing pleasure, I have put up a video of the band performing the new track Bellwether in NYC. For anyone that enjoys guitar driven rock and doesn't get scared off by synth sounds and no vocals, I'd recommend checking it out. Hammerstrike mothefucker!

Amazon Item: 

Hammerstrike