When last heard from in 1989, Miracle Legion was a band of thoughtful alternative folk rockers dogged by comparisons to R.E.M. After a hiatus, the group has now relaunched, shedding old baggage (but ironically acquiring a resemblance to the Waterboys) to reach creative adulthood on Drenched, an articulate album that considers romance, religion and racism with formidable melodic intelligence.

Singer-lyricist Mark Mulcahy and guitarist-melodist Mr. Ray Neal write skillfully in a variety of styles – from courtly pop to driving rock & roll, light romance to acid irony. Producer John Porter, whose credits include Bryan Ferry and the Smiths, is an ideal collaborator, and the diverse arrangements (many of which smartly incorporate guest keyboardist Ian McLagan) make Drenched an emotional roller coaster, a masterfully organized sequence of curves, dips and surprises that provides a satisfying, affecting ride.

"Sea Hag," a handsome waltz with a rowdy barroom chorus, sets up "Snacks and Candy," a depiction of Yusef Hawkins's murder, which uses merry pop ambience to convey the casual banality of mob violence. In another striking juxtaposition, the delicate "So Good" precedes "Everything Is Rosy," a sardonic, raucous rock number set to a "Kashmir" beat and sung through clenched teeth. Although Drenched contains a few flimsy songs hidden behind fancy arrangements, the album delivers Miracle Legion back from the career desert in fine form. (RS 622)

IRA ROBBINS