Publishing date: Aug, 15, 2019
Holly Leassig and Jess Wolfe connected at a Brooklyn house party in the mid-2000s over old school rock and roll. One bottle of red wine later, indie pop group Lucius was born.
Since this chance encounter, the band has recruited drummer Dan Molad and lead Guitarist Peter Lalish. Together they have produced four studio albums and performed in amphitheatres across North America, supporting music legends including Jack White and Roger Waters.
Yet, despite their expansion and accomplishments, at the core of the band remains Leassig and Wolfe and their fused voices, singing in harmony.
“Our mums are both artists and we grew up listening to the same music on long car rides,” said Wolfe. “That said, we’re both from different backgrounds. Holly is from Cleveland and had a high school in her backyard. I’m from California and I’m from a Jewish family.”
Their different but similar backgrounds are reflected in their harmonies; distinct yet the ideal complement to the other. Yet, when on stage, few distinctions are visible. Kitted out in identical costumes and matching hair styles, the band’s live performances are strikingly symmetrical and entrancing.
“The performers we were always inspired by were all about glamour,” said Leassig. “They visually invite you into their world. Since we sing in one unit we wanted to represent that visually. It just evolved from there with more glitter and more costumes.”
But don’t mistake this twin act for a mere gimmick. From this unified foundation bursts forth a band that expertly walks the tightrope between folk, pop and elements of soul. The harmonized voices — part old-school Dixie Chicks, part Diana Ross — results in a sound that is fresh and unique. And with topics like the hardships of marriage at the core of their content, their music carries a meaningful authenticity.
“We’re really inspired by old school soul music and old rock and roll,” said Wolfe. “That’s what comes out in our kind of music and writing. It’s what we still connect over.”