We brought Lucius to the Tiny Desk because I fell in love with one joyous, catchy song: "Don't Just Sit There." That's all I had to go on - I'd never seen the group live - and though I expected fun, we also got fabulous. Not only are Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig a winning singing duo, but their charisma and charm helps turn good pop songwriting into an endearing performance.
Both Berklee School of Music alumni, the two women moved to a Victorian home they'd found on Craigslist. As it turns out, that old Brooklyn home had a 60-year history as a recording studio and music school, complete with an old Steinway piano; it was there that they found their future bandmates. Danny Molad, Peter Lalish and Andrew Burri fill out the group with guitars and drums and an uncanny ability to create songs with vastly differing character.
One minute, Lucius sounds like a girl group circa 1961; the next, you could be hearing an Emmylou Harris outtake. And, though only four songs turn up on the band's 2012 EP, I feel a strong album on the way. Pair that with a dynamic and lovable stage presence, and what you're witnessing from Lucius at the Tiny Desk sounds like the early days of a long career. --BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Go Home"
"Don't Just Sit There"
"Turn It Around"
"Genevieve"
Credits
Producer: Bob Boilen; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks, Ryan Smith; photo by Lauren Rock/NPR