Sophe Lux

Sophe Lux crafts an idiosyncratic sound by fusing Lene Lovich’s dramatic vocal mannerisms, the Dresden Dolls’ affinity for Kurt Weill, and the Decemberists’ dual enthusiasm for unfashionable progressive rock and classic sea shanties, standing out chiefly through the breadth of sources they raid. The group, whose name roughly translates from Latin as “the light of wisdom,” functions chiefly as a vehicle for the flamboyantly theatrical singer-songwriter Gwynneth Haynes. Her pronounced artistic leanings trace directly to family: her brother, the acclaimed director Todd Haynes (Safe, Far from Heaven), whose camp aesthetic and taste for vintage surrealism reverberate through her own compositions and stage presentations. A native of southern California who had already explored performance art, Haynes launched Sophe Lux in 2002 after settling in Portland, Oregon. The band’s first release, Plastic Apple, featured an initial configuration that included Haynes—then performing as Wendy Lynne Haynes—alongside bassist Larry Crane, drummer John Moen, and keyboardist Mike Clarke, each temporarily borrowed from Stephen Malkmus’ supporting unit the Jicks. For the follow-up, 2007’s Waking the Mystics, Haynes had recruited a stable lineup comprising second guitarist and lap-steel player Twayn Williams, accordionist and keyboardist Kelly Goodwin, bassist Erika Miller, and drummer Scott Appleman.