Album review: Alpha Waves - Who Goes There?

This week I had the pleasure to listen to the first EP from the band Alpha Waves. Hailing from Southern New Jersey, guitarist Frank Masciocchi and drummer Drew Tait have put together a fabulously spacey, six song album entitled "Who Goes There?" The two piece minces no words in describing their first effort as psychedelic; each song is packed full of flanging, reverb filled guitar lines, busy, tight drums and airy vocals to challenge even the most lucid of minds. There was probably more production done on this album than is done for some of the bigger garage rock bands out there.

"Who Goes There?" opens up with the raucous "Prefirst." The song begins with feedback and clanging, metal guitar sounds which give way to a melodic, repetative (in a good way) verse. Then, before you know it, the song meanders into a full on audio assault with layers upon layers of guitar, pulling your ears in every which direction. Tait really flexes some muscle on the drums in this one, leading the song all the way to its thunderous conclusion.

"Motions" is a particularily memorable saga in which Masciocchi chants haunting vocals over swirling feedback with gallons of reverb. "Sage Run" evokes thoughts of Ray Manzarek at his keyboard as swelling, harpsichord-like notes ebb and flow like waves crashing on the shore. This one is definitely Bonnaroo-inspired and an anthem for all those navigating back to camp with dewy grass under their feet,  a throbbing beat stuck in their ears and the streaky colors of the ferris wheel clouding their vision. 

Last, but most certainly not least, comes the song "Soma." The only fully instrumental number on the album, Frank and Drew call this one a tribute to Lotus. The influence is unmistakable and I bet the guys in Lotus would be happy to know this song is out there. It is very rare that a song has the power to make you completely forget everything that surrounds you and focus only on the rhythm and beat. This one does just that. Wah-ed, distorted, guitar grabs your attention while chimey synth mounts before trailing off into the ether. The musical craftsmanship that takes place next is really something else. Guitars, drums and synths bring this album to a soft, euphoric close, concluding the psychedelic journey in the happiest of ways.  

Alpha Waves have really set the bar high with their EP and I look very forward to hearing the LP once it comes out. While it doesn't feature the catchiest of songs for people to sing along to, "Who Goes There?" definitely exhibits some serious muscle in terms of musical and production ability on the part of members Frank and Drew. Give it a listen and let them know what you think!

Alpha Waves - Who Goes There?

-Tommy