Perfume Genius is the adopted moniker of Seattle singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas. His debut album Learning came out via Matador Records on Monday, and is one of those unsettling, bruised records that stays in the mind long, long after you have finished listening.

Fragile, whispered lyrics and a muffled, lo-fi hiss create an intimacy that is almost painful, but at the same time totally absorbing and compelling. The songs are short and the album lasts barely 30 minutes, but not a moment is wasted nor forgotten. Recommended.

Visit his MySpace here. Order the album from Matador here or from Amazon UK here.

Download Perfume Genius – Mr. Peterson mp3 (from Learning)

Download Perfume Genius – Learning mp3 (from Learning)