Is Ben Wilkins the next piano pop star?

As an up and coming singer-songwriter, one would think being compared to the likes of Rufus Wainwright would be just a little bit intimidating. But, as Montreal-based Ben Wilkins has proven on his self-titled debut album, maybe all it takes to live up to this comparison is some real talent and a solid understanding of the classics.

Wilkins grew up in London, Ont., but left at the age of 18 to study classical trumpet at McGill University. After graduating, he also lived in China, spending time at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and then the Beijing Language and Culture University.

But something about the indie-rock capital of Canada still beckoned to him, and he ended up back there in 2008, where he was given the opportunity of a lifetime from producer Pascal Shefteshy. Shefteshy, an acclaimed engineer and producer working for famous producer Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright), approached him to record an album and, with the blessing of Marchand, gave him free reign to make an uncompromising debut.

What resulted is a solid, catchy disc, featuring 24 musicians (everything from strings, brass, winds, orchestral percussion, to a small choir). It sounds like something a lot less modern and a lot more retro -- call it 'optimistic piano pop' with a twist.

The album is very strong, as evident by songs like "Back of My Head," a mixed instrumental track that laments a former lover's sharp words. This track would almost be better suited for the beginning of the album, as it sets up what is clearly Wilkins' style: songs that start with soft piano and light lyrics, eventually blowing up the sound into a frenetic mix of catchy drums, violins, and all other manner of instruments.

This album is, however, even stronger at the points when Wilkins veers away from his comfort zone a little. A good example of this divergence is "The Other Side," which sticks to a slower pace and is probably his most effective attempt at something different. His strength (despite the classical trumpet training) is clearly piano, and this song strips it down beautifully.

But really, Wilkins seems to be going for fun and light more than anything here, and in this he certainly succeeds throughout. He may be tackling some traditionally unhappy subjects, but you'd never know it given how perky they sound. His lyrics are also very conversational, sounding more like coffee date conversations than standard rhyming lyrics.

The standout track here is also very clear. "Through to You" (which was also given a really fun accompanying  music video done in time-lapse) is where he really gets creative and goes a bit wild, throwing every instrument at the listener, and letting you go along for the ride.

Then there's "Soup for One" which is pure 70s pop, and "Opening" which sounds exactly like Ben Folds -- in fact, by the time Wilkins gets around to singing about being a "Chameleon," it would be hard to disagree with him. The artist comparisons that he has gotten are also undeniable here with songs and a voice that really mix the styles of everyone from Wainwright and Ben Folds to Jamiroquai and Kings of Convenience.

Wilkins is the kind of pop singer that we need more of nowadays -- unassuming, not overly cocky, mature. This is no doubt the reason he has no trouble keeping himself busy with other projects, like working with Bran Van 3000's James Di Salvio, who entrusted him with writing the string and brass arrangements on The Garden, the band's fourth album. He also did vocal and string arrangements on 2010 Juno nominee Misstress Barbara's upcoming album.

It's clear that Ben Wilkins is both passionate and talented, a standard combo that is seriously enhanced by his love of classical music. His optimism is also undeniably infectious. If this debut is any indication, he could be poised for a very interesting career.

Track picks: "Back of My Head," "Through to You," "The Fall," "The Other Side"

Ben Wilkins' self-titled debut album was released in Canada on October 18^th, and he is currently on a cross-Canadian tour. Visit http://www.benwilkinsmusic.com/ for more information.

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