The alternative country band Lovelorn, originally consisting of vocalist Alex Fox and guitarist Teague Hayes, began playing gigs last fall. Early shows displayed a promising, if timid, lead voice, and lyrics as precise as they were poignant -- but the duo hadn't yet determined its direction. (Its shows gave new definition to the phrase "intimate," with Fox and Hayes making cell phone calls to faraway friends and Fox's frequent mentions of an ex-boyfriend's wife). The band has since undergone various reconfigurations. Hayes is gone, and now the band's made up of vocals, guitar, bass, drums -- and Heather Cave's accordion. Cave plays chords loud and clear, resting her chin on her instrument while listening to her bandmates and enjoying the show, fluidly smoothing over rough edges and pushing Lovelorn across the line that distinguishes only a few bands from numerous fledgling acts. Lovelorn has opened repeatedly for local favorites Rex Hobart and the Misery Boys, and they're likely to step up and begin headlining soon.