If you listen to the first song on Ian Kelly's Diamonds & Plastic, you may be fooled into believing the entire album is one consecutive fast, bouncy album with no twists or turns. Certainly it won't have ballads or sweet-sounding lullaby melodies. There will certainly be no cleverly written lyrics or a critical, but not jaded, view on life and society.

But you would be wrong. This is Kelly. This is the man who earlier released his album Speak Your Mind that sold 40,000 copies over two years before the release of Diamonds & Plastic. The Francophone from Montréal even started his own home recordings for his first album, Insecurity, and learned to play a slew of instruments while writing, recording and producing that album.

Kelly isn't seamless, but he's talented. His vocal range is broad and he morphs from happy-golucky, to intense, quiet and private. "I Would Have You" is a fresh spin on a hopeful lover, and the song pumps and dances. "Your Garden", however, is a slow, deprecating analysis of why he's pained and misused — certainly not your standard poppy fare and certainly not a boring album. "Drinking Alone" brings a funny, comical Kelly and shows his humorous, lighter side. "White Wedding" showcases Kelly's fondness of Billy Idol with an acoustic version of the classic British punk-rock tune.

Kelly plays acoustic, nylon and electric guitar and although he is a solo artist, he's accompanied by other background artists. His first break came when he volunteered at Théâtre St-Denis where he was working with the sound crew at an Alanis Morissette concert. Since they were short an act, Kelly volunteered his performing skills and realized that he was pretty good — so his journey began.

Kelly's strength lies in well-written lyrics, powerful vocals and guitar skills. He could add some lighter melodies with the album to break up the heartache, but if that's what's natural for the time being, then so be it. The multi-faceted artist is definitely no diamond in the rough.

For more information, visit iankellysmusic.com and myspace.com/iankellysmusic to hear samples of his album and concert details.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars