Freakwater Explores Daring Folk-Country

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FREAKWATER

“End Time”

Thrill Jockey

If you were planning to make one of your 1999 album purchases a folk-country indie-minded delight such as Alison Krauss or Gillian Welch, redirect your attention to this veteran Chicago outfit. Krauss’ recent “Forget About It” was surprisingly devoid of emotion, and Welch’s follow-up to “Hell Among the Yearlings” won’t be out until 2000.

Freakwater may not be a perfect substitute, but if you are game (or even eager) for a bit of soulful, daring, Gram Parsons-type country sensibility, you might just be enthralled. In fact, you’ll probably swear that it’s Parsons protegee Emmylou Harris joining Freakwater’s Catherine Ann Irwin and Janet Beveridge Bean on some of these exquisite harmonies.

On its sixth album, Freakwater--which will be at the Troubadour on Thursday--smartly dresses up its previously minimalist sound with drums and lush strings, among other adventurous touches. The group shows on “Cheap Watch” that it can serve up a lively hoedown, but its specialty is dark, troubled ballads--several of which recall Welch’s Gothic sensibilities.

Several of the tunes depend more on mood than on lyric revelation for their impact, but the emotional conviction is engaging enough to win your allegiance. If Neil Young is looking for a tasty opening act for his next solo tour, Freakwater’s the one.

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