LOVE AND ROCKETS “Love and Rockets.” Beggars Banquet/RCA ***: <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five stars (a classic).</i>

Befitting a band with a two-fold name, L&R; sounds here almost like two different groups. Each side starts off sounding like some ‘60s garage band--the primal, fuzzy two-chord riff ‘n’ harmonica of Side 2’s “Bound for Hell” is particularly striking. But then the trio transforms into the late-’80s successor to the garage band: the studio tinkerer.

Fortunately, L&R; eschews a high-tech approach in favor of spare, atmospheric settings. And befitting a veteran band that simply uses its name as the album title, this sounds like a fresh start. The primary characteristic of the songs is existential joy, something only hinted at in past efforts. Daniel Ash sings about matters of the soul (“Bound for Hell”), the heart (“So Alive”) and the flesh (“Rock ‘n’ Roll Babylon” with equal fervor.

Fresh start or no, this is not the great leap forward L&R; seemed primed for after last year’s “Earth-Sun-Moon.” At that time, they seemed ready to break beyond cult status. Now they just seem like a more well-rounded cult band.