**1/2 September 67

LUCKY SHOE

(The Enclave)

Like more seductive indie-rock Indigo Girls, this Virginia duo offer lush, lilting folk pop rich in vivid imagery and wordplay. Shannon Worrell and Kristin Asbury have limited vocal range, but that flat, Liz Phair breathiness enjoys its own appeal, fluttering in the wind of appealing harmonies.

Produced by John Morand and Cracker's David Lowery, Lucky Shoe features bluegrass twang and leisurely guitar and string arrangements. The changes in tempo on "Busy Building" and "Poor Boy" allow the reverby, electric guitars to shine. Using mandolins, acoustic guitars, cellos, and violins, the band create a mysterious, dark beauty on "What's Wrong with Alice" and "Setting the Old House on Fire." The guitar rhythms, melodies, and vocal harmonies can be delectable, even audacious. The disc's only weakness is a tendency toward sing-songy staleness: Lucky Shoe could use some variety, or even a shot of adrenaline.

-- Chris Wallenberg

(September 67 open for Wilco at Avalon this Sunday, February 16.)