THOSE not in the know will likely do a double take when they see photos of the intriguingly-named trio, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum.

For the band’s lead singer really is Michael C Hall, best known to TV viewers for his starring roles in Six Feet Under and currently Dexter which is back on our screens after a 10 year break.

But this is no ego trip. In a Zoom interview with all three members - drummer Peter Yanowitz and keyboard player Matt Katz-Bohen complete the line-up - Michael allows his bandmates to do much of the talking

In some ways the band - the name was the idea of keyboard player Matt ‘s young daughter - produces music which would fit very well into the dark corners of the cult show about a serial killer with a conscience.

With their debut album, Thanks For Coming, they have managed to pull off the difficult task of not managing to sound like anyone else. It’s evocative, powerful and with Matt’s synths and even a keytar making a contribution; Peter’s pounding beats and Michael’s hauntingly beautiful vocals I tell them that to me it’s frighteningly beautiful.

“That’s a great way to put it,” said Peter who was a member of the Wildhearts and has worked with artists as diverse as Natalie Merchant and Billy Bragg and Wilco.

Now UK audiences will get the chance to hear the band live as they embark on a short tour including a date at Manchester’s Night and Day on Monday.

“It will just be the three of us doing what we do to the best of our abilities,” said Matt, who for the past eight years has been on keyboards with Blondie. “Really there’s never been a better time to try and make any sound you can possibly imagine and that’s what we do.”

The genesis of Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum came about when the three were working together on the Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Itch, ironically all performing as members of a band which Michael fronted.

So is the band a case of life imitating art?

“I think there have been moments when we are looking at each other going ‘how did this happen?’, laughed Peter. “I think as a musician there’s an impulse to start something or create something but rarely have I been in a situation where the universe and my two collaborators just came together. I suppose it’s a real lucky energy.”

Unless you are a keen follower of Michael’s career, the idea of him as a lead singer may be surprising but he has an impeccable pedigree. As well as starring in Hedwig, he was chosen by David Bowie for his musical Lazarus - and at times on the album, there are definite hints of Bowie to be heard.

But the overall sound is unique.

“The most beautiful thing for us is that this music is our dream,” said Matt. “There are no preconceptions; it’s not like this had to be done a certain way because people were expecting it. We were able to bring our own ideas to the table which is very freeing.”

Given the obvious rapport between the trio who clearly enjoy a laugh, the powerful music they make is a little surprising.

“I like dark material,” said Michael. “But I don’t think any of us set out to do anything that was this or that or the other; it was just what needed to workout sonically and lyrically. We are actually pretty adjusted sane people all things considered.”

“I think your phrase frighteningly beautiful is a really good way to describe the world and how we live,” said Peter, “and we are responding to that environment and that world in our music.”

The band already have a second album written and recorded which will be released next year but first the tour and a a homecoming of sorts for Michael.

Night and Day was used in the TV drama Safe in which he starred where it was transformed into the nightclub Heaven.

“I hadn’t made that connection, that’s fantastic,” he said. “My wife and I loved our time around Manchester; we stayed in Didsbury while we were filming.”

Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum, Night and Day, Manchester, Monday, November 29. Details from www.bandsintown.com