What defines a concept album? Pick up a dictionary and you'll find it expressed as a work unified through lyrical, instrumental or narrative themes. With Tiam's new solo release, 'Notorious Mascot', he succeeds in encompassing all. Intimate, personal lyrics found in the title track, are backed by the same drum machines, tuned-down guitars and 80's synths to be found in abundance in 'Marionettes', the sassy 'Girls' and layered skilfully throughout the rest of the album. This is a pompous, at times arrogant, slab of a musical journey by one man determined not to compromise on his desire for a homogeneous sounding collection of songs. Recorded during a break from his frontman duties with Flare, everything programmed, everything played and everything you hear is Tiam.