SXSW Record Reviews

Recorded locally during members' dwindling Austin days, Mirror Travel's sophomore LP swaps (predecessor) Mexico's melodies for mind-bending atmosphere. The trio, now dwelling in Taos, N.M., marries vocal vibes recalling Jefferson Airplane with the homegrown Black Angels' psych fuzz. Opener "Aasim" commences Loveless-indebted, trippy and punk-flecked, while "Yesca" evolves like a stoner/acid-rock cocktail. Deciphering frontwoman Lauren Green's lyrics proves a fruitless endeavor, but the hazy film suits the music's mystique. Finally, eerie "Fossils" clocks indubitably strongest, its pace change-up and haunting harmonies inching the band closer to ecstasy. (Wed., 9pm, ScratcHouse Backyard)