MAJOR STARS ‘MIRROR/MESSENGER’ DRAG CITY

Mirror/Messenger is the second record by Major Stars since reconfiguring after the departure of drummer Dave Lynch and the addition of Casey Keenan (drums), Dave Dougan (bass) and Sandra Barrett (vocals). Like other Major records, it’s a three-guitar psych-rock assault, but like predecessor Syntoptikon, it puts Barrett on vocals instead of founders and collaborators Wayne Rogers and Kate Village. The result is mixed at best: Barrett’s Joplin-as-lounge-goddess vocals are often too high in the mix with the rhythm section way too low, leaving much of Mirror/Messenger short of its potential to kick ass. There are gems, such as long-form freak-outs “My People” and the title cut, which hark back to the greatness of Major debut Rock Revival; however, this record is a grower, and the vocals will always remain an acquired taste.