Lotus

Eschewing the rootsier jams of previous releases, Lotus began embarking on more electronic (jamtronic?) paths over time. It’s very evident on the band’s most recent album, Build. And in many ways, Lotus’ transformation mirrors the trajectory of much of the contemporary jam scene. Bottom line, though: Lotus gets down. Last year’s album shows off the musicians’ ability to filter diverse and danceable influences through their own characteristic sound. Jams like “Cutinuo,” for instance, traverse lots of territory and give the band at least several openings through which to improvise once onstage. In a different way, “Uffi” maintains just a few hooks that repeat throughout the song, lending that one a more head-bobbin’ ethos. Though the band has morphed in its own ways over the years, it’s also worth mentioning that Escaping Sargasso Sea remains a seminal live album. It’s imperative stuff before heading out to tonight’s show. (Sandy)