Lucius
Lauded by Rolling Stone, NPR and economist Paul Krugman (?!), tandem vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Brooklyn based indie pop quintet Lucius have been painted as hipster successors to the Shirelles. But Lucius offers far more than a retro '60s souffle of perky smirky girl-group pop. Certainly Wolfe and Laessig channel the hooky hand-clapping energy of the Ronettes on their recent, titular EP. Yet Lucius' compositions also execute sharp left turns toward the alt country of Emmylou Harris and the jazzy sophisticated pop of Feist. Charismatic front-women, Wolfe and Laessig rarely harmonize like vocal duos the Secret Sisters or the Watson Twins. Instead, they seamlessly merge their voices into one shared, sublime frequency. Underpinned with clattery, clip-clopping percussion and playful brio, the primarily acoustic combo makes a powerful racket. Yet, Lucius keeps a foot in heartfelt Americana as well as rocking pop. In an early incarnation sans sideman, Wolfe and Laessig performed a dazzling, high lonesome rendition of "Shenandoah". They remain grounded in the soulfulness of Patsy Cline while exploring the quirky, nonchalant sincerity of The Roches. $10. June 17, 7:30 p.m. Stage Door Theater, 130 North Tryon St. 704- 372-1000.