Epic double set from the duo, combining an LP of all-electric rock mayhem with a CD (in its own color card sleeve) of subtle drum/shakuhachi duos. Electric Lotus is the boys' self-proclaimed "rock" album, and it is a mind-boggling clutch of guitar/bass/drums demolition. Coming off like an amphetamine-fueled Guru Guru, the music tumbles out in a crazy quilt of stun-level attack zonage, especially on the side-long "Electric Lotus." Neilson's staggering free-drumming hits a new peak here, stepping beyond his laudable work with Jandek, Bonny Prince Billy, etc into new realms. Youngs lights it up with raging guitar and bass action, including some deeply psychedelic leads, and on "Kickin' The Glass," some killer "heavy" riffing.

Lotus Edition is a companion CD of restrained and completely live duos for drums and shakuhachi. Youngs had previously issued a disc of shakuhachi solos with dense delay and layering effects, but here his untrained but highly musical output on the ancient instrument is in deep conversation with Neilson's drum set. A couple of the tracks feature the kind of long notes, bowed cymbals, and other droneage heard on previous releases like "Partick Rain Dance," but in a stripped down live setting.

The LP was expertly cut by John Golden and pressed in the U.S.S.A. by RTI on audiophile vinyl.