We could call The Future Embrace Billy Corgan's first solo album. But who are we kidding?

Corgan, former dictator of Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan -- and one of rock's most notorious control freaks -- has basically been making solo albums for 15 years. Maybe he just didn't want to admit it until now. Or maybe he's just more comfortable in his own skin these days.

Either way, The Future Embrace finds Corgan facing his brave new solo world by embracing the past -- his own and others'. The densely layered afterburner guitars, the reverb-laced production,the melancholy and infinite sadness of his old band; they're all here in full effect -- along with Corgan's instantly identifiable whine, natch.

But instead of being set against the Pumpkins' kinetic alt-rock attack, they're usually coupled with beatboxes, beepy keyboards and atmospheric electronica and goth flourishes.

These components add an extra layer of claustrophobia, paranoia and alienation to tracks like Mina Loy (M.O.H.), The Camera Eye and even a cover of The Bee Gees' To Love Somebody with guest bleatings by Robert Smith.

Not only is that a fitting duet, it's a telling one -- with their seductive (if sometimes watery) grooves and dark melodies, these 12 songs channel the moody brooding of '80s outfits like The Cure, New Order and Depeche Mode more often than they rekindle the '90s firepower of the Pumpkins.

That certainly makes The Future Embrace a first for Corgan.

Track Listing:

1. All Things Change
2. Mina Loy (M.O.H.)
3. The Camera Eye
4. ToLoveSomebody
5. A100
6. DIA
7. Now (And Then)
8. I'm Ready
9. Walking Shade
10. Sorrows (in blue)
11. Pretty, pretty STAR
12. Strayz