The debate over of what is and is not traditional Cajun music will likely rage on until judgment day, but credit Les Amies Louisianaises for putting a fresh spin on things. Unlike most groups that revolve around the accordion-fiddle axis, the Lake Charles-based women’s group is instead a quartet of vocalists who’ve perfected a signature style of tight harmonies. Since they are an outcropping of a church choir, their initial focus was a sacred one that makes for an interesting contrast given its recent foray into the secular world of dancehall Cajun.

With a crack studio squadron led by multi-instrumentalist/producer Chris Miller, Les Amies Louisianaises achieves a delicate blend of resounding, breathtaking vocals with rock-solid dancehall arrangements. The intro to “La Porte D’en Arrière” is particularly inventive; the first verse is rendered a cappella before the band kicks in on the second. Also featured are several originals, including Janet Aguillard’s “Combien de Temps, Seigneur?” a spiritual that’s shrouded in sorrow. Jeannette Aguillard’s “Espère-Moi, Je Vas Revenir” concludes with an unexpected twist, hence an indication of budding songwriting. A refreshing alternative to a folk genre that has historically been rigid in definition.