The Boorays

Like few bands from the early '90s rock scene in St. Louis, the Boorays sounds timeless — or as timeless as its obvious R.E.M. and dB's influence permit. You could say the quartet got lucky with sources, or you could just recognize the talent of principal singer and songwriter Mark Stephens, who has never sounded quite as comfortable, confident or free as when aided by the precise rhythm section of Andy Thomson and Bob Kaemmerlen, the garage guitar of Mike Hellebusch and the whole band's keen, airy harmonies. The Boorays released a series of cassettes, singles and full-length CDs before breaking up nearly fifteen years ago, but it's back for a reunion show this week, a nostalgia trip perhaps, but one well worth taking.