Further evidence that 2007 is going to be a great year: listen to Deserter, the excellent first single from Matthew Dear's upcoming LP Asa Breed.

The significance of the record being released on Ghostly rather than its dance-oriented sister label Spectral should be immediately apparent to the ears. Vocals and rhythms share more DNA with the likes of Joy Division than Dear's recent Audion work, or even 2003's cross-over hit Leave Luck to Heaven. The warm, thoughtful melodies are distinctly "avant-pop," and perhaps the most realized and definitive example to date from the label.

A 10" vinyl and digital format single will be available May 8th. Asa Breed is scheduled for a June 5th release.