It's apparent from the get-go that Wave Array has a vision. From the writing in all 12 songs on their debut album Cheapjack Moon, to producing the entire CD (not to mention drummer Alex Curran's eye-catching album art), these guys know exactly what they want. Cheapjack Moon is an alternative, psychedelic rock album that follows in the footsteps of experimental groups like Radiohead and Pinback.

Although the album comes across as introspective, the band doesn't shy away from meshing garage-like rock with rhythmic melodies. For the most part, inner-directed lyrics ride on vibrant, edgy guitar riffs while Johan Castillo's strong bass lines keep the songs moving along. The first track on the album, "Future Tense," bursts with jamming guitar (courtesy of Strom Lee and Nick Pak) that's tempered by Curran's popping drum beats. And while tracks like super groovy "Cruise Control" and uplifting "Lullaby" are ambient, dreamy rock, "In The Peel" leans towards more experimental and textured sounds.

On songs like "Footprints" and "The Allegory," Lee's lead vocals freely explore their range with shifting pitches that at times echo a young Neil Young. But then "Tell Us Tonight" surprises by heading in a Stone Temple Pilots direction with hard-focused guitar, reverb and crooning vocals. "Paper Wings" is the album's most cohesive and composed song with symmetry at each turn; a perfect think-piece for any road trip.

Aesthetically, Wave Array has created music that defines and transcends barriers of privacy that harbor human emotion and self-reflection. They are not a trendy band, nor is the music they make intended as background-conversation filler. Edgy and experimental, Cheapjack Moon may not appeal to the top 40 masses, but certainly to those who value artsy think-rock. (self-released)