Tapping into her frustration over the state of the world, The Mynabirds’ Laura Burhenn turns the band's sophomore album, Generals, into an angry but compassionate musical statement. With her partner, Richard Swift, she moves The Mynabirds away from their earlier soul-pop stylings toward a dirtier, more aggressive sound that brings out the convictions of her lyrics. Combining the sultry tones of an R&B diva with the yearning ache of a ‘60s pop goddess, Burhenn’s compelling vocals bring an urgency to politically charged tunes like “Wolf Mother” and the title track. They likewise convey the bruised tenderness of “Mightier Than the Sword” and the torchy pathos of “Greatest Revenge.” Sonically, the album crosses genres and eras, invoking everything from the primal soul of Nina Simone (“Disaster”) to the glitter rock of Marc Bolan (“Radiator Sister”) and the techno pop of Depeche Mode (“Disarm”). What emerges from the throbbing martial tempos and dense instrumental textures is a defiant message that retains its poetic edge and sense of humor.