Lucius tore down the Austin Ventures stage.
Purposefully defying classification, the Brooklyn sextet bottles a kaleidoscope of ideas, including Sixties girl-pop influences, occasional folk tendencies, and the ability to rock out with concussive percussion. Led by the gorgeous lead vocals of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, their chemistry and lush harmonies atop taut musicianship position the band in the fast lane.
Don’t let the mod styling fool you, either.
The set-list contained the principle of their debut LP, 2013’s Wildewoman. Every track arrives built for a live show. The best, “Hey, Doreen,” begins high with a Rated R-era QOTSA feel but drops low into a funky, soulful chorus. Live, the transition’s comfort and ease reveals Lucius’ innate understanding of its sound.
“Go Home” features accomplished, learned vocals, with the entire band layered and in lock step. They brought out the Head and the Heart for a stirring rendition of arena track “How Loud Your Heart Gets.” Closing, “Turn It Around” began with an intro informed by Martha & the Vandellas’ singles and eventually clashed with another titan – the late Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
Make way for Lucius.
Read interview with Dan Molad of Lucius.
This article appears in October 10 • 2014.
