Lucius is an indie-pop band founded in 2007 by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig whose exquisitely blended harmonies is what makes their sound so seductive. And while the group, which includes guitarist Peter Lalish and drummer Dan Molad (who is now Laessig's former husband), have been releasing albums and touring, Wolfe and Laessig have really made their living by providing background vocals for many acts for recordings and on tours. Some of these notable performers includes Roger Waters, John Legend, Jeff Tweedy, Harry Styles, Jackson Browne, John Prine and Sheryl Crow just to highlight a few. This is how they came into Brandi Carlile's radar and the Grammy-winning Americana artist was determined to help bring more attention to Lucius through their own music.
Carlile with her long-time producing partner, Dave Cobb suggested that the band do a disco-inspired record. Not the most obvious sound for Lucius, whose previous work was more rooted in alt-rock or for Carlile to produce yet everyone was open to the challenge. This lead to "Second Nature", Lucius' fourth studio album with the collection evoking the dance-driven sounds of Bee Gees, Donna Summer and, in particular, ABBA. Yet it's Wolfe and Laessig's bold, richly emotional vocals that makes this remain distinctively a Lucius album. Written and recorded while during the COVID lockdown, the songs focus on isolation and the pain of separation, particularly with the quarantine sadly triggering the end of Laessig's marriage. I really love this album and hope, just like Carlile, that "Second Nature" will bring an even bigger audience to Lucius.
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