By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

Combining elements of indie, Brit and alternative rock, Satellites Fall are new to the local music scene but have already made a name for themselves.

In fact, they were semi-finalists in this year’s 95.5 WBRU Rock Hunt, and were named rocksposure.com’s, “Artist of the Month,” for February 2012.

Also, Valentine’s Day brought along their debut release, “Lines on the Road,” a five-track EP under the label Midday Records. It can be downloaded for free for a limited time at satellitesfall.bandcamp.com.

According to vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist, Mark Charron, their first experience in the studio transformed their sound.

“We were a straight guitar band but when we got into the studio and started analyzing, it turned out that we could put more keys, piano and strings in,” he said. “We put a lot of layers in there and it sounded more full and much more interesting. We tried to shake things up a bit.”

To lay down tracks, the band contacted their fellow musician buddy and Berklee College of Music graduate, Dave Newman, who owns a studio in his home just outside of Boston. Newman didn’t produce the album, yet Charron said he encouraged them to tackle new approaches and contributed to their overall development in a major way.

“He was a pretty big influence and is very good at layers, loops and things of that nature,” said Charron. “He really challenged us and that’s what we really took from the sessions.”

While one of the songs on the EP has a solemn tone, others are more jovial. Charron said Snow Patrol, Radiohead, and U2 are among core influences.

“Some songs are happier than others, but our lyrics have a lot to do with personal strife and self reflection,” he said. “There are some songs on there that are about relationships between people and to God.”

Of the songs on the EP, Charron has two favorites. He said “Sundial” is the most personal for him, as it offers listeners an introspective vibe.  He also called “Servitude” one of the best of the bunch.

“I love singing it,” he said.

Initially, he and guitarist Davey Moore handled most of the writing. Now, it’s more collaborative, with drummer Luke Riskalla and guitarist Brian Bardsley adding their input.

The music first took shape in 2000 when Charron and Moore were studying at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Previous to forming, Moore was the drummer for hardcore band Fall From Grace

“They were very popular,” Charron said. “Staind opened for them.”

By 2002, Moore and Charron began recording on four track recorders and other “make-shift equipment.  Soon after, they graduated and pursued full-time careers.

However, they found old tapes they recorded about five years later and decided to rework and fine-tune their material.

“We started getting together and writing more music,” Charron said. “Eventually, we invested in real equipment and kept moving forward with it.”

At this point, they have a catalog of at least 50 songs. They plan on revisiting the studio to lay down more tracks and release a second album within a year.

“We’ve literally said, ‘we can’t write any more music right now,’” Charron said. “It’s time to get back into recording.”

Moreover, they are looking for a bassist. Currently, they fill in the rhythm section through the help of keyboards, as well as technology, including sounds they contrive via a laptop.

For now, they are pleased with their newfound sound. They feel their album, as well as their band name, echo their lucid tone.

“Our sound is very light and we think our name speaks to that,” Charron said.

To contact the band or learn more about them, visit their website at satellitesfall.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/SatellitesFall.