Canadian Daniel Powter is vocalist and keyboardist on his debut self titled effort, churning out some fascinating pop tunes and balladic pieces with little effort. With the piano taking precedence on most of his tracks, as he belts off tunes that are catchy and sing along. Just 10 tracks and less that 40 minutes of playing time, showcases Powter’s talents.

With influences like Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Duran Duran you could find all these ingredients in Powter’s album. From slow to medium paced, Powter has settled more for the slower section, minus much of string arrangements. Powter has his own style of making music and his songs give him a much needed identity that he can call his own. Powter who initially took to the violin, later settled for the piano that today produces hit making music for him.

Powter has done a great job as songwriter and musician at the same time. Free Loops and Bad Day revolve around an entirely different theme – one night stands, while Hollywood in plain simple terms is a brutal take on the sordidness of showbiz. Powter pays ode to 1970s folk legend Leonard Chen in Give me Life which is also a twisted take on a relationship that’s turning sour. Another striking song is the opening Song 6 about a girl he adored but who perished in an accident.

Powter has a strong voice and easily recognizable if you shuffle between other artists. In between his lazy vocals, he speaks of his personal relationships, his life gone by in the past 34 years and other day-to-day problems. His talent ranges from his lyrics and vocals to his music and sound.

Powter gets a little hard on Suspect, Styrofoam and Lost on the stoop are best avoided, while Jimmy gets high is enjoyable while it last. A little bit of electronica is seen on few tracks, but the main instrument is Powter’s haunting piano. Interestingly, Powter, originally took to playing the violin leaving it for the piano that has now made him what he is.

A single listen won’t convince you of his singing ability, for the beanie hat boy has surprises which you may like or may just skip rightaway. He might be just another singer trying to break ground and finding his place in the melee of singers vying for the big time, but Powter has arrived on solid ground atleast half way.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira