After touring across the United States and breaking onto coveted stages like Jam Cruise and Summer Camp Music Festival, Aqueous have released Color Wheel , their first full-length studio LP since 2014’s Cycles . Considering the four-year gap between studio projects, this album is a definitive turning point for the Buffalo, N.Y.-based jamband— Color Wheel is their first cohesive concept record. “The overarching theme of the story is a strong sense of optimism through the struggle of the realities of life,” guitarist Mike Gantzer said in a recent press release. “How High You Fly,” for example, is a tribute to a friend lost to drug addiction—its bubbly, proggy sound is reminiscent of fellow Northeastern jamband Dopapod— and “Realize Your Light” is all about finding your unique purpose in life. Musically speaking, Gantzer plays into his strengths on “Realize Your Light,” supplying the kind of emotive, high-flying guitar solo that has made Aqueous one of the jam scene’s bands to watch. Color Wheel really finds its footing on the mid-album title track, Gantzer’s guitar blending with the well-timed flourishes of drummer Rob Houk, keyboardist Dave Loss and bassist Evan McPhaden. “Weight of the World,” also has a certain wow factor, thanks in part to an appearance from the Turkuaz horn. Sure, there are times when one wishes the quartet would hit the gas and tear into some more extended jams—the hard rocking moments of “Half In, Half Out” will surely become the highlight of many Aqueous setlists. But then again, Color Wheel is a chance—perhaps the first chance—for Aqueous to slow things down and craft a message.