With Halloween fast approaching, be sure to check out the recently released “Theatre is Evil,” which seems like just that: theatre. It is as if Palmer is standing in front of a mirror, costumed as her favorite artists, making her own words to the music.

This is not a bad thing, as her musical inspirations are in good taste. The song “Smile,” is an atmospheric, shoegazer-ballad reminiscent of the Cure. Despite the recurring theme of death that plagues Theatre is Evil, the venture seems to be more of a birth for Palmer, being a clear departure from her days with dark-cabaret band Dresden Dolls.

There is much to be said about the politics of Palmer and company, raising 1.2 million dollars on fan-funding website Kickstarter, and recently breaking into the US Top 10. Regardless of how the record was made or promoted, it’s just great music.

“The Killing Type,” is what would happen if Nirvana and Lady Gaga were placed into a blender. “Do It With a Rockstar,” is Tracy Bonham version 2.0. “Grown Man Cry,” brings to mind the best work by the Smashing Pumpkins.  “Trout Heart Replica,” is hauntingly Tori Amos.  “Melody Dean,” is “My Sherona”-esque to say the least. The catchiest tune of the bunch is “Olly Olly Oxen Free,” the lovechild of The Cars and any Broadway musical.

Using comparisons is an easy way of trying to convince others to give this record a listen. Ultimately, “Theatre is Evil” is a modern day “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars,” chock-full of angst-laden anthems sure to be echoed for the next generation or so.

And in the end, Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra sound like themselves.