Performance Review and Interview of Lucius at Village Underground

After a six-year hiatus from the London scene, the American indie pop band Lucius made a triumphant return, gracing the stages of All Points East and Village Underground. Their long-awaited performance at the intimate Shoreditch venue was nothing short of electrifying, a masterclass in indie pop that left the audience in awe.

The stage was set aglow with a captivating blue light, casting a shimmering aura over the instruments as they awaited the band’s arrival. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, each passing minute intensifying the heat and tension in the room.

The show kicked off with drummer Dan Moland and guitarist Peter Lalish, who laid down a powerful foundation of rhythm and melody. The crowd’s excitement reached new heights as the two lead singers, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessing, made their entrance. Adorned in vibrant multicoloured jackets and funky sunglasses, they brought an infectious energy that immediately drew everyone in. Jess’ presence on stage was nothing short of commanding considering her pregnancy - she performed with a fervour that matched her bandmates.

From the first note, the audience was hooked, their heads bobbing in unison with the beat, and voices enthusiastically singing along to every lyric. The band’s connection with their fans was palpable, and nowhere was this more evident than during the performance of “Stranger Danger”. Jess and Holly stepped to the front of the stage, engaging in a playful back-and-forth with the lyrics, their harmonies soaring beautifully above the crowd. It was a standout moment that showcased the duo’s vocal prowess and their ability to captivate an audience.

The show was punctuated by dramatic visual effects, including a thrilling instrumental section where flashing red lights illuminated the stage as Jess and Holly intensely played the drums. This moment of raw energy contrasted beautifully with the softer, more intricate harmonies that followed, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

As the concert drew to a close, Lucius delivered a final, unforgettable surprise. The band members brought their instruments into the middle of the audience, dissolving the barrier between performer and spectator. This intimate conclusion left the crowd feeling not just like fans, but like participants in this shared experience.

I had the opportunity to interview the band where they shared insights into being back in London, playing All Points East, and what it means to be a woman in the music industry.

Daria Slikker: How does it feel to be performing in London again for the first time in 6 years?

Lucius: It feels great to play here, nostalgic but still exciting; having been so long there’s a newness to it all. I have family here on my husband's side, so in a lot of ways it’s coming home whenever we play London…just trying to get our fill until next time with family, friends, pubs and sausage rolls.

Do you find a different demographic of people who listen to your music in America compared to Europe?

It's very hard to say, our audience in the USA is such a mixed bag... all walks, all ages; It was nice to what seemed like a mostly younger audience on Sunday at All Points East.

Were there other artists at All Points East that you’d never heard of before that you would like to collaborate with or have gained inspiration from?

Strawberry Guy had a cool vibe and really beautiful arrangements. Also Jess’ biggest pregnancy craving is strawberries right now so she was drawn to the name from the get!

Do you prefer playing at bigger venues like APE or smaller, more intimate ones like Village Underground?

Being a mom is all about efficiency… you prioritise time in a very different way I think (showering/cleaning/ making food/ scheduling appointments/play with the dog in 20 minutes whilst the kids have a nap? No problem.) When you have the time to work on your craft, I think you appreciate it more and also have a clearer mind to cut out what’s unnecessary. There’s also just another level of depth to pull from emotionally… like a whole other ocean of depth.

Do you think there has been a positive shift in how women are treated in the music industry?

I’m hopeful that there is because of the way we operate, and the strong, extraordinary women we know in the business. We’re very lucky to have a double female led band where we support and lift each other up. We’ve built a team around us that supports our art and vision. But don’t get me wrong, there’s a long way to go for women in every avenue and the music and entertainment industry is no exception; we hear stories from friends all the time about the discouragement they face especially as they get older, have children etc. Womanhood and motherhood IS creation, and beauty and magic, and art wouldn’t even exist without it. We should be celebrated, supported, and honoured as such.

Lucius’ return to London was nothing short of success. Their performance at Village Underground reminded everyone why they have remained a beloved fixture in the indie pop scene. With their unique blend of powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and electrifying musicality, Lucius proved that after six years of not playing in London, they still definitely knew how to captivate and inspire.

Lucius’ new single “Old Tape” featuring Adam Granduciel from "War on Drugs" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other music streaming platforms.