In The World (Self-released, 2004)

If the Indigo Girls mated with Neil Young (never mind the unlikelihood of this ever actually occurring), the result would probably sound something like Angel Paint. Hailing from suburban Chicago, the band is fronted by singer-songwriter Jeanne Bonansinga, and the debut is a likable collection of 13 folk rock numbers with a country slant.

Much of the album's success is owed to producer and multi-instrumentalist Andon Davis (formerly of The Riptones and Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel) who dresses up Bonansinga's simple folk compositions with rich harmonica interludes and innovative electric guitar accompaniment. Alongside tepid love acclamations such as "Beautiful You," the disc explores some pretty interesting subject matter. Bonansinga speculates about the lust in the heart of celibate clergy on "Man of the Cloth" and the differences we'd see if the world had a saintly king in "Mother Theresa." The most likable tracks are the up-tempo rockers "You're My Guy" and "The Gardener." "In The World" is a respectable debut from a band with real potential for future greatness. (Box 6457, Evanston, IL 60204, Angel Paint)