Born in Kentucky but long based in Chicago, Freakwater pioneered alt country with a fusion of urban angst and a raw, revivalist sound focused on the cracked vocal harmonies of Janet Beveridge Bean and Catherine Irwin.

For the past two decades, the duo have been making records easily distinguishable from one another while maintaining their signature sound and uniquely skewed take on honky-tonk, bluegrass or country-politan.

It's been a long and lonely journey which they hope to continue until the end of time.

"I love singing with Catherine," says Janet. "I sort of view it like tennis: You can play it into your 80s; you just play it a little slower. I don't want it to go away." "The sound of two voices singing at the same time is a beautiful thing," Catherine adds. "Everything else is a chore."

Despite their longevity, Freakwater have kept a low commercial profile, partly because finding a fan-base has been difficult.

"People with a punk background may think we're purists, but country fans think we're freaks," says Catherine.

After contributing to Freakwater's latest album, Thinking Of You, The Zincs - from Chicago via London -

provide support with their sombre pop music. Despite their British passports, The Zincs' music is decidely rooted in the music of America.

A vibrato-tinged, British baritone voice floats effortlessly over Spanish-style guitars, melodic keyboard bleeps and drones, deft finger-picking and the occasional lone harmonica - all driven home by a Velvets-inspired backbeat.

Starts 8pm, tickets cost £10/£8. Call 01273 605789.