Indie-pop duo Lucius, comprised of Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, has released their fourth album, simply titled Lucius. Known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and collaborations with artists like Brandi Carlile and Harry Styles, the duo’s latest work reflects personal experiences from settling in Los Angeles and starting families.
The women have collaborated with many artists through the years, among them Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Harry Styles, Roger Waters, Jeff Tweedy, the Killers, War on Drugs and Mumford & Sons. This year, they’re concentrating on their own music with Lucius, a rock band that also includes Dan Molad and Peter Lalish.
They’ve released a self-produced disc that reflects their experiences settling in Los Angeles and starting families, titling it simply “Lucius” even though it’s their fourth album. The album marks a departure from their previous dance-oriented production, embracing a more rock-based sound that underscores their desire for authenticity.
Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe first connected nearly 20 years ago while studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Their initial collaboration came through a school project reimagining the Beatles’ White Album — though their take on “Happiness Is a Warm Gun” remains tucked away. The project was ultimately set aside as the duo began focusing on creating original music together.
“We were always inspired by Phil Spector and Elliot Smith and people who used double vocals as an interesting textural thing,” Wolfe said. “And we thought, well, we could actually do this live. We both wanted to be lead singers, but together.”
While collaboration has always been a strength for Lucius, working with artists like Madison Cunningham and The War on Drugs on two tracks for their new album, it also comes with a challenge: maintaining a clear sense of identity.
Their self-titled album, Lucius, pushes back against the dance-forward production style of their 2022 release Second Nature, shaped by Brandi Carlile and Dave Cobb. This time, the band leans into a more grounded, rock-oriented sound that feels like home. “It feels honest and real because we wrote about things that were just happening in our lives,” says Wolfe.
With a busy summer tour ahead, they’re excited to bring that music to life onstage — and to share the journey with their young families in tow.
“We get to do it together and see the world together and our kids are going to know different places and cultures and foods and things, more than I had as a kid,” Wolfe said. “As tough as it can be with the nap times and sleep schedules, it’s a beautiful thing.”