Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Burri rounded out the original lineup. Demonstrating an evocative mix of torchy, pedal steel-infused Americana and urban indie pop falling somewhere between Neko Case, Blanche, and Cults, the group's eponymous debut EP arrived in 2012. It was followed a year later by their New York Times and NPR-approved full-length debut, Wildewoman, issued regionally by Mom + Pop, Dine Alone, and Play It Again Sam. The band toured extensively in support of the album, making multiple trips across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including a European tour with Jack White. Wolfe and Laessig also appeared as guest vocalists on critically acclaimed albums including San Fermin's debut and Tweedy's Sukierae, and were part of the Rentals' lineup for 2014's Lost in Alphaville.

The five-piece returned to the studio with producer Shawn Everett (Weezer, Julian Casablancas) to work on new material in 2015, resulting in the poppier, more flamboyant Good Grief, released in March 2016 by the same labels. The album hit the top half of the Billboard 200. Amid a continued relentless touring schedule with Lucius, the two lead singers made time to accept an invitation to back Roger Waters at California's Desert Trip in October 2016. The two-weekend festival of legends that also included Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, among others, had them singing for a crowd of 75,000. That November, the band released the two-track Pulling Teeth Ten Inch, and Burri gave notice that he was leaving the group to pursue other projects. ~ James Christopher Monger & Marcy Donelson