Lucius debuts new album at First Avenue

We’re playing these songs live for the very first time. So we’re just gonna smile really wide.

Lucius is no stranger to Minneapolis. Midway through their sold out show at First Avenue, guitarist Peter Lalish said “This is the best city in America to play, for as long as we’ve been playing.” So it’s no surprise that Lucius kicked off a new tour in support of their third album Good Grief at First Avenue in Minneapolis. With the help of 89.3 The Current, where the band played live earlier in the day, the city has always come out big for the band. And after witnessing Lucius live for the first time, I can say they deserve it.

Opening the night was Portland based keyboard-pop group Pure Bathing Culture. Led by tight bass lines, and the soft voice of singer Sarah Versprille, their soothing sounds provided a nice primer for Lucius. With a setlist heavy on new songs from the brand new album Good Grief, Lucius captivated the crowd from the start. “Born Again Teen” from Good Grief was a huge highlight of the show, as was the rhythm heavy song “Truce”. “Gone Insane” got weird and “Tempest” from their excellent 2013 debut Wildewoman rocked.

Lucius at First Avenue was excellent. Singer Jess Wolfe said early on, “We’re playing these songs live for the very first time. So we’re just gonna smile really wide.” While looking around the crowd during the show, there were plenty of others smiling too.

Lucius at First Avenue

Pure Bathing Culture

Gaelynn Lea provided an extra special moment during the encore. Video by Kyle Matteson.