Dead Can Dance's debut self-titled album has elements of a partnership still finding voice, and the great promise of things to come. The primary refreshing element here was that the group was not afraid to experiment, and unlike many post-punk or natal-gothic bands, was not afraid of polished vocals informed by both polyphony and plainchant. In addition the band's use of unfamiliar instruments, particularly with percussion, is also a welcome departure from the narrow constraints of independent and DIY music of the early 80s. However, fans of latter DCD, particularly "Aion," may find this original album cacophonous and discordant, for it is clear that both Joy Division and The Swans were on the turntables of Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry during these early years. Early Dead Can Dance fans often enjoy the first three albums in rotation with the omnipresent The Cure and the vocally similar Switchblade Sister. Latter DCD fans often enjoy a rotation with Enigma and Cocteau Twins, although I believe the band itself would eschew such bucket selections, as their own musical growth and trajectory are what made them distinct in the first place.