Local band Saint Radar released their debut album “Spaceman” during their performance at the Maintenance Shop on Friday night.

Recorded in the private studio of Des Moines-based musician Andy Anderson, the album is the band’s first full-length release in their nearly two years together.

Frontman Ben Shin, junior in sociology, said the record is a concept album, telling the tale of an astronaut and his thoughts during a voyage.

“I think it’s easier to make a concept album than to just kind of lay down a bunch of different songs,” Shin said.

This focus served the band as something to depart from, as well.

“Very few of the tracks actually fit that concept,” said lead guitarist Stephen Volcko, junior in marketing. “It’s pretty loose, and I think that’s what a concept album should do.”

Anderson offered his recording and production services to the band free of charge.

“I started out once, too,” Anderson said. “They had a lot of potential, and just needed some coaching.”

Shin said the band’s work on the album sounds more polished than their live show, incorporating harmonies and backing vocals into their simple, aggressive sound.

“I like it to be simple,” Shin said. “When I hear rock and roll, I want it to be like candy. I want to feel good for a few seconds – and then I want more.”

He said he hates excessive studio production and, despite the more complex sound of the album, didn’t want to lose their normal sound on it.

Shin described the band’s sound as simple and rhythmic, inspired by punk and British pop styles. He cited Nirvana, Oasis and Pixies as major influences.

Anderson helped foster the band’s ideas.

“They came to me with a bunch of songs, and I had them play them all,” he said. “I just harnessed those songs.”

Anderson, who also fronts the band SNAFU, which opened the release night show, described the band as a mixture of Weezer, Jet and The Beach Boys.

Many musicians and fans, however, have trouble pinning down Saint Radar’s style.

“The interesting thing about their sound is that everyone describes it differently,” said Pat Blair, ISU alumnus and guitarist for The Lone Strangers, who also played at the show.

He said he also sees elements of Modest Mouse and metal band GWAR’s styles in their sound.

“They’re people we would probably have nothing in common with, if not for music,” Blair said.

Saint Radar now plans to promote their new CD, which is available for $5 at their concerts.