Major Stars
"Distant Effects"
(Squealer)

The best band in Boston these days is a group of four that rock like the
classic power-trios of old, such as Hendrix and Cream. Wayne Rogers and
Kate Village of Twisted Village fame front Major Stars, a band newly signed
to hipster label Squealer (home of Acid Mothers Temple, Gold Sparkle Band).
Their sound owes major debts to the late 60s thunder of Hendrix and Clapton,
yet incorporates a folk mysticism and an sense of heaviness akin to Sabbath
or in present terms, Bardo Pond.

This band can jam like no other, and their third record "Distant Effects"
demonstrates just that. The guitars are the showpiece here, and Wayne and
Kate twist and squeal their way through the entire range of the guitar, in
some cases several times per measure. This record is for the times when you
want to just put something on, close your eyes, and let it encapsulate you.
But make no mistake -- this band is loud.

Beginning with the dirge-pop of "Higher Meaning" before heading into the
Sonic Youth freakout that is "Hardly Mention", this record will leave you in
awe of their musicianship. "Are We" mines Sabbath-like territory again,
Wayne's bittersweet vocals taking the lead before descending into an
indie-pop progression before leading you back to the same, dark, Sabbath-y
tortoise crawl which acts like a tease for the shredding to come. The
closer on the record, "Elephant" once again demostrates just how majestic
this style of pop can sound when applied with such mastery.

-Karthik