DAN BRYK
Lovers Leap (Scratchie Records)

If Dan Bryk were any more off the wall, he'd practically be in orbit. And if he had major label backing, he could also be a star. As it is, Lovers Leap may well be remembered as one of the year's most interesting discoveries, a brilliant pop parcel that blends the real with the surreal, one that's distinctive and different yet infused with rock references. In fact, it's kind of hard to get a handle on Bryk. Sometimes, he simply sounds like a goofy guy singing absurdist songs like "BBW" (Chunky Girl), a n obvious ode to overweight women. Other times, he's introspective and personal, given to narcissistic narratives about failed relationships ("I love you goodbye", "memo to myself") and envious odes that paint a software programmer as an adolescent idol ("Mark Turmell"). But Bryk's not thick and his tunes can sometimes be troubling. "Finders", for example, appears to be about a friend with a shared propensity for the piano. But listen to the lyrics and it becomes evident that 'Fingers' may have been fiddling with more than just the keyboard.

Musically, Lovers Leap mines--and sometimes even mimics--a wealth of influences. Some of his songs make astute observations, bringing to mind Randy Newman and Ray Davies. Other times he's ebullient and effusive, his piano-based pop being similar in style to both the eels and Ben Folds Five, thanks to his penchant for quirky concepts and buoyant, bouncy melodies. Bryk's fragile vocals balance on the brink of irony, insecurity and sensitivity, whether channelled through simple, solo singalongs such as "Spadina Expressway" and "Forgiven" or rowdy, revved-up rockers like "And Now Our Love is Dead" and "Bound To Be Happy". Despite his off-handed approach, Bryk's talent makes him a weighty proposition. And Lovers Leap is a giant jump forward.

-Lee Zimmerman