Lucius definitely know how to put on a show. Dual lead singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig walk on in matching orange and gold outfits and identical bob haircuts, while rest of the band wear matching mustard suits. Their look recalls Abba and there’s a hint of that in their music too. The showmanship is appreciated but unnecessary, because from the first song their voices are transfixing.
Lucius have just released their new album Good Grief, where they’ve taken a Tegan and Sara-esque turn from alt. folk to a synthy pop sound. Their set at Koko starts with cuts from the new album: ‘Dusty Trails’ is one of the earlier songs and proves to be the highlight of the set. Jess and Holly position themselves on either side of a mic to sing about life on the road, playing off each other and up to the crowd.
Later there’s an outfit change to matching yellow ponchos and the set moves through some of their older numbers, with ‘Go Home’ being a particular joy. Lucius finish with ‘Better Look Back’, a song from Good Grief, there’s an element of Jane’s Addiction’s ‘Been Caught Stealing’ to their combined voice on this one that I just can’t shake, and it’s fantastic.
Good Grief is a triumphant new album that rewards repeated listens, it’s just a shame that it may be some time before we get a chance to hear Lucius live again as their tour heads to Europe before returning to the States.
Review and Photography by Christian Madden
facebook.com/ilovelucius