The group was founded in 2007 by lead vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, joined by drummer Dan Molad, guitarist Peter Lalish, and, formerly, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Burri.

[4] Their music has received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NPR and The Village Voice.

[5] Wolfe and Laessig have also contributed vocals for artists such as Roger Waters, Harry Styles, Jeff Tweedy, Jackson Browne, John Legend, Mavis Staples, John Prine, Sheryl Crow, Grace Potter, Goose, The War on Drugs, Brandi Carlile, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Brandy Clark, and Joni Mitchell.

[7] On July 9, 2020, Lucius announced they would be digitally re-releasing Songs from the Bromley House to raise funds for businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus.

The album, she said, would be up for purchase on the band's website for a limited time along with several other unique items created especially for the streaming series.

It features live recordings and covers, with one version of their song "How Loud Your Heart Gets" produced by Spoon's Jim Eno for Spotify.

[20] Departing from their previous sound, the album focused on "moody Eighties-synth melodies and raw lyrics about the hardships of marriage.

In the final episode of the first season, Wolfe and Laessig performed the Lowell George song "Willin" with Jackson Browne.

The pair also sang a featured duet based on Clare Torrey's wordless vocals in The Great Gig in the Sky.

[32] In May 2022, Lucius performed "Dance Around It" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert alongside Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile.

In November 2018, Lucius contributed to a 7" vinyl series called the Fug Yep Soundation, launched in memory of the late Richard Swift.

The series aims to raise awareness for addiction and "bring community to those suffering" by donating to musician-focused organizations MusiCares and Music Support UK.

Lucius has been lauded by The New York Times for their "luscious, luminous, lilting lullabies",[37] praised by NPR for their "charisma and charm,"[38] and described by Rolling Stone as "the best band you may not have heard yet.

"[39] The Guardian featured Lucius as its New Band Of The Day on February 14, 2014, and described them as "the missing link between Arcade Fire and Haim... How can they fail?

"[40] Economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman is a noted fan of the band and has featured their music in his blog.

[41][42] The two frontwomen are also known for their synchronous style that exudes an "idiosyncratic visual persona"[43] in their choice of dress, stage set up, and performance.

"[45] Most recently, Billboard regarded Second Nature as "Full of lush production that's complemented by the chilling harmonies of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig".