Dan Bryk
Lovers Leap
Scratchie/Teenage USA

When a man has no voice and seriously lacks material to write, you get Lovers Leap, the latest release from Dan Bryk. This album can hardly be classified in one specific genre, but it is similar to the lighter rock style of Ben Folds Five and The Philosopher Kings. Still, Bryk is no Ben Folds.

The biggest problems with this album are Bryk's annoying voice and his lyrics. The track, "Spadina Expressway," clearly shows his lack of musical creativity. This song was most likely written while he was attempting to make it into downtown Toronto.

In a clever move, however, Bryk uses an intelligent concept to compare his relationship with a woman to a traffic jam. "Fingers," is an incredibly interesting tale of a young boy's encounter with an older man. Seemingly innocent at first, the song's lyrics turn taboo when it describes the man's undoing of the boy's belt and the regret he feels because of it. The tale goes downhill from there as the boy eventually shoots the older man in the head.

Despite all of these problems, there is one track with great potential. "Bound To Be Happy" is an enjoyable listen on which, unlike most of the other tracks on the album, the pace of the song remains quick, as opposed to dropping off during the verses.

Bryk's pubescent vocals, filled with voice cracks, are a major flaw for this album. The poor song writing does not help, since most of the lyrics are silly.

Unfortunately, this is not an album that one should feel compelled to rush out and purchase.

– Stephen Libin