Coheed and Cambria is a very odd band. Very. Odd. I mean, how else do you describe a band whose entire repertoire is a series of interconnected concept albums? Based on a science-fiction story created by the singer? And released out of sequential order?

How else do you describe a band who actually named one of their albums “Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness“? I mean, what do you even do with that?

And that’s not even mentioning singer Claudio Sanchez’s shockingly high, pure singing voice (he’s a dead ringer for Geddy Lee, though the band claims Rush was never an influence) or Mansonesque super-fro. That’s not even mentioning song titles like “The Velorium Camper II: Backend Of Forever.” Or, well, “A Favor House Atlantic.”

So, odd? Yes. But holy damn do these guys make some amazing music. Described as emo by folks who don’t know any better, the music of Coheed and Cambria sits squarely between progressive rock (e.g., Rush, Yes) and progressive metal (Fates Warning, Dream Theater). The generally heavy, intricate arrangements are interspersed — just often enough — with refreshingly catchy hooks, and even the occasional radio-friendly rock single.

Which brings us back to “A Favor House Atlantic.” (Amazon | iTunes) From the band’s second major release, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (told you), this downloadable tune for Rock Band is one of their few singles to make much of a splash outside their dedicated fan base. Play it yourself and you can see why:  nice driving beat, hummable melody, and that brain-drilling “Bye-bye, beautiful” hook there at the end. And oh yeah, the guitar part is totally frigging excellent.

If you’ve not heard this song and you like interesting rock music, I implore you to go try it out tout de suite. If you have heard this song and you’re wondering if the rest of Coheed and Cambria’s stuff is similar, well…it’s not. Sorry. It’s very, very good, understand — it’s just usually not as poppy.

If you’re looking just for another couple similar singles, I’d recommend “Blood Red Summer” from the same album (Amazon | iTunes), or “The Running Free” (Amazon | iTunes) off Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World For Tomorrow — also available in Rock Band. And if you want to try out a whole album, that’s an easy one: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (Amazon | iTunes) is where you want to start, as it’s got a nice varied mix of tunes in there.

I’ve been listening to that album for years, and it never fails to satisfy. Here’s hoping you find it as enjoyable.