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Villainaire is my first exposure to the Dead Science, a Seattle threesome, who are often cited in relation to the experimental, and highly emotional Xiu Xiu. Don't let that fool you though; the Dead Science are not so easily pigeon-holed. Firstly, the music is mainly lush, densely layered rock music, with sweeping, orchestral overtones. Aside from the band's core unit there are no less than twelve additional musicians, who provide everything from harp, strings, brass, synth and backing vocals. The songs are, just as singer/guitarist Sam Mickens has said himself, "pop songs". As one might imagine, he allows for a wide margin of leeway in relation to the standard definition of the term "pop".

Mickens' vocals certainly borrow the occasional Prince falsetto, but that just one of the many facets. In fact, it's safe to say the vocals will undoubtedly be the polarising factor for listeners of Villainaire. Upon the opening track of the album, Throne of Blood (the Jump Off), I must admit I wasn't sure I could hang for the whole album. Mickens' vocals for the tune are a dramatic vibrato, which are most certainly an acquired taste.

What kept me listening was the music; Mickens' guitar playing has plenty of barbs, and Jherek Bischoff's upright bass provides the melodic framework, which in turn gives Mickens a lot of room to roam. But the real standout is Nick Tamburro. His amazing drums are entirely of their own universe. He lays back when appropriate, and he creates tension when called for, with flurries of loose limb-ed build-ups. His style sounds culled from free jazz, and within this structured context they add an organic, explorative dimension to the music.

The further good news is that, vocally, Mickens isn't a one trick pony. He loses the vibrato for the most part, and though he does sound like he's headed for Broadway sometimes, his vocals make more sense as you progress. I'll admit I was won over about a third of the way through, and by the end, happy enough with Villainaire to recommend it to you.