Lucius • Attention Bird Utopia • November 15, 2025 • The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall
Lucius played an energy-filled set at The Depot with opening band Attention Bird Utopia. We here at UCR are big fans of Lucius. We’ve had the opportunity not only to cover them on past headlining tours but also their recent co-headlining tour with another favorite, Dawes. When we got the invite to attend and review this tour stop, we jumped at the chance. It should come as no surprise that this concert, just as all of our past experiences seeing these amazing vocalists and songwriters, was amazing.
Attention Bird Utopia
The Band Attention Bird Utopia, made up of Eli Hirsch and Harrison Whitford, had a mellow and calming vibe, but still had the audience cheering and swaying along to their songs. These two legendary songwriters have worked with famous artists including Suki Waterhouse, Phoebe Bridgers, Cautious Clay, and many more, and now are working together to create the duo Attention Bird Utopia.
Hirsch and Whitford seem to me as much a fan of being in Utah as the Utah crowd is of them. Whitford said, “we’re stoked to be here in Salt Lake playing with Lucius, we love them. We hit the red iguana earlier, (hell yeahs’ from the crowd) so good. Sort of some intense preshow food though…fire.” To which Hirsch filled up by saying, “Really like Salt Lake, I also like the Rose Establishment” which definitely got many people in the crowd to applaud. Later in the night Hirsch asked for some audience input on what the band should do around Salt Lake City, to which the crowd shouted out ideas like going to the art installation “Spiral Jetty” as well as visiting Antelope Island. Attention Bird Utopia seemed intrigued by these Utah sights and seemingly wanted to go and visit them!
The crowd loved interacting with the band. When the band told stories about their songs, the crowd loved it even more. It felt like they were part of a conversation between friends.
Hirsch said, “Thank you guys so much, this next song is about living in Los Angeles. It’s kind of a gnarly place,” to which Whitford added on “Anyone here ever lived in Los Angeles? (some people in the crowd raised their hands) But now you don’t? Noo booing is correct, it’s okay, it’s okay.”
Hirsch then came back by saying, “Also, all of these songs are on the record we put out this year, we have a vinyl of that record for sale here tonight, if you want to give us money, and also t-shirts as well if you want to give us money and be like a brand ambassador, you know? Be early on it. If you wish to engage in capitalism with us, we will meet you by the merch stand.” This had the crowd laughing and definitely having a few people repping their merch by the end of the night.
Attention, Bird Utopia is so humble and sweet to the crowds they play in front of, with Whitford saying, “That you guys, you guys are great. Thanks for keeping your mouth shut! No, but really, it means a lot to us. We sometimes feel silly with acoustic guitars, playing, and just standing here. So it’s sweet that you guys listen and make us feel not totally weird, so thank you so much.”
Lucius
Lucius leads, Jess Wolfe, and Holly Laessig came out in matching red jumpsuits with decorations from around the stage embroidered onto the outfits. Details included lamps, mailboxes, and the TV on stage; it was a super cute way to add another layer to the show.
Holly Laessig said, “It is a pleasure, it is a joy, it is an honor. Thank you so much for having us back. This has been such a special and rewarding tour. This record is about home, and it’s really been feeling home wherever we’ve been, including tonight. Thank you for that. And I was like, I feel so at home. This song we written many years ago. This was on a record called Good Grief. This was after touring many, many, many, many, many, many weeks. It was about being a little bit afraid of going home because you don’t know what it’s like at home.” Lucius really connected with their fans, and the love could be felt throughout the room. Their deep lyrics and powerful musical abilities entranced the crowd.
Lucius played some of their biggest hits, which had the crowd singing their hearts out to the lyrics. The Lucius fanbase is so sweet to the band, having written letters to the band before their show for them to read during the show. Two of the letters shared incredibly sweet and heartfelt messages, which made the whole room feel all warm and fuzzy.
One reading, “Lucius, thank you so much for coming to Salt Lake City. I’ve been following you and listening to your music for years. You are amazing and inspiring. I’m so grateful for you. I love your Tiny Desk concert from years ago. And I love how you’re rocking it now with your beautiful babies on tour with you. I met my friend Muriel at the bus stop. She was my neighbor, and she became one of my first friends in Salt Lake City. She took me to my very first Lucius show in Park City. So not only do I owe her my gratitude for our wonderful friendship, but also for introducing me to your wonderful music.” This had the crowd awwing and everyone smiling.
Another letter said, “Hello, friends. I wanted to express my gratitude for your talents and time. Music is special magic that has helped me through the many highs and lows life has in store for us all. Your special talents have been inspiring and connecting for me. I’m a musician and music lover, and my wife introduced me to Lucius when we were dating. It was evidence of her stellar music taste and has been something we have bonded over all the years since. So with all my gratitude, thank you for sharing your gift and giving me a clear sign that my wife is the coolest.” This had the crowd almost tearing up from how sweet these letters were. Other letters that were read shared stories of songs like Wildawoman and Tempest getting people through tough times, and the discovery of Lucius’ music.
Lucius is magical to hear live, with the incredible duel harmonies of Jess and Holly, with their musical abilities and stage presence, they are definitely a show to remember. The night ended with Lucius playing a couple of songs with Attention Bird Utopia, and ended the night by playing a cover of “Everybody Hurts”. It was a lovely way to end a wonderful show.
