Recorded for free in Andy Anderson’s personal studio in Des Moines, local band Saint Radar’s debut album is a pretty impressive package.

The record is a concept album of sorts. Three tracks center on the thoughts of a narrator, the eponymous spaceman, chronicling a dangerous space voyage gone wrong. This theme is pretty interesting, but it isn’t developed too heavily, as most of the album’s tracks have nothing to do with the concept.

Frontman Ben Shin, junior in sociology, describes the album as the thoughts and dreams of the central character – which explains both their meandering themes, departing almost entirely from the storyline, and their focus on the past.

Most of the songs are punk-style songs with a reggae-infused sound similar to The Clash or The Police.

This sound is used to explore relationships, school, and on “Just Me & You,” a forlorn love with a stripper.

The concept tracks strongly evoke early David Bowie, with the harrowing dark psychological horror of “Interlude” echoing the cult film “Dark Star.”

However, this isn’t science fiction music – the space theme is barely referenced through most of the record, and there are very few electronic instruments. Additionally, while there are the literally space-focused tracks, the Spaceman is perhaps best interpreted as a metaphor.

Saint Radar’s come pretty far for a local band. This record isn’t your typical 10-track LP, and they’ve been adding new elements, like their backing choruses, to their music.

Keep an eye on these guys.

Artist: Saint Radar

Album: “Spaceman”

Label: None

Release: Aug. 24, 2007

Availability: At the band’s

concerts