Neither postured nor precious, The Chapin Sisters are a triple-siren seduction of stunning folk harmonies, royal-lineage storytelling, and unapologetic femininity. 

For the past five weeks these indie folkster voodoo angels have taken up Monday night residency at The Echo, bringing us music from a focused, far off, deep place that sounds both collectively natural and wholly inimitable.

Abigail, Lily and Jessica opened the final Echo show on Monday night, sans fanfare, with a mournful and eerie “Sea Shanty,” accompanied only by a measured, hypnotic, foot clicking.  The result, as you might imagine, was paranormal.  I’m fairly certain at least one person turned into a frog.

The packed room stood for about an hour, fully entranced by the unflinching, neo-prairie princesses.  And it wasn’t “girlpower” that had them hooked.  What these ladies are peddling is something much more commanding, far more subtle and a great deal more significant. 

Their live reconstruction of “Let Me Go,” the first track off their March 18 release Lake Bottom Lp (Plain Recordings / Manimal), was an unexpected confessional; sounding almost prayer-like in its assertions.  Painfully pretty, it’s hard to tell whether the lyrics are meant sarcastically (which would make them evil geniuses), or honestly (which would make them evil geniuses).  Either way it’s a song that lingers; surprisingly catchy and effortlessly haunting.

“Shady River” was another stand out number with a melody that edged towards cheery, but steered suspiciously into a batch of dark clouds every time it felt followed.  With their drummer on tour, the ladies took up tambourine duty on many of the songs, and also called upon some violin mavens to help fill in the sound.

At one point, the stage held five gorgeous and gifted women who appeared to be transmitting a complex message about peaceful solidarity through floral dresses and wedge sandals via an inaudible, mystery frequency.  The whatever waves soothed the attending ladies and utterly disarmed the men folk. 

They ended the set in a perfect-fit collaboration with the rootsy, Americana outfit, I See Hawks In L.A.  The Lily-penned “Palm Tree,” was an absolute model of dusty, alt folk pop, while the cover of Crystal Gayle’s “Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For” was taught a lesson in country rock. 

As elegant, leggy, branches of the folk family tree, The Chapin Sisters are fulfilling their destiny, poised with hellbent harmonies and majestic moodiness.  Pretty, powerful and innate, the second coming is a trio.

Setlist | 3/31/08

Sea Shanty
Let Me Go
Wash Away
Don't Love You
Shady River
(next three songs with the violin players...)
Bird Song
Drop Me
Kill Me Now
I Was Left All Alone
(next three songs played live with "I See Hawks In L.A.")
Palm Tree
Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For
I Was Never Alive

 

The Chapin Sisters | Let Me Go

The Chapin Sisters | Toxic