Lotus - Lotus (Japan Remastered) (1974/2021)

The style of this little-known Swedish quartet from the mid-70's is hard to describe as it escapes most comparisons; the closest would be FINNFOREST, and perhaps Danish fusion band SECRET OYSTER. This is fusion at its best: energetic instrumental jazz-rock featuring dual guitars, electric piano/Hammond organ, bass and drums, and stunning musicianship all around. After the release of their second album in 1976, the band, alas, split up.

Although the tracks on their first album are rather short, each one is chock full of ideas and beautiful catchy melodies based on tight, 70ish-like jazzy grooves, all charmingly and distinctively Swedish. Their second album, "Vera O'Flera", which features a guest musician on sax, is in the same vein but much more fusion oriented and perhaps a bit less convincing. The CD versions of both albums contain extra tracks: 5 live bonus tracks on the first (among them a scorchy 10-minute number) and two studio tracks on the second.

If you're a fan of early ZAPPA, circa "Hot Rats", or like bands such as KEBNEKAISE, FINNFOREST, KULTIVATOR or TRETTIOARIGA KRIGET, don't let LOTUS pass you by, especially their first album.