It took just one six-song EP to turn Montreal's Sam Roberts into a bona fide CanCon star last year.

That may sound like a big achievement, and to Roberts it doubtlessly was. But really, that was the easy part. Now comes the tough bit -- proving it all wasn't just some big fluke.

Thankfully, we are happy to report Sam comes through his trial by fire with flying colours on his aptly named full-length debut We Were Born in a Flame, in stores Tuesday.

A thematic (and literal) extension of The Human Condition EP -- the album repeats one cut from that disc, along with re-recorded versions of two more tracks -- the 14-song Flame capably showcases the same likable qualities that earned Roberts his success.

The Beatlesque songcraft and vocals, the power-pop guitar crunch, the strummy guitars, the gorgeous harmonies and addictive hooks tossed off with apparent effortlessness; they're all here once again. Only this time they've been joined by bits of arch Ray Davies lyricism, a dash of soaring Byrdsian jangle, some lightly psychedelic excursions, some fuzzy garage-pop, a touch of reggae and even an ironic ode to socialism in The Canadian Way.

If his last release made him famous, heaven only knows where this one will take him -- but maybe it's a good thing that the Prime Minister's gig is going to be opening up. (More on Sam Roberts)

Track Listing
1. Hard Road
2. Where Have All The Good People Gone?
3. Brother Down
4. Higher Learning
5. Dead End
6. Taj Mahal
7. Every Part Of Me
8. Canadian Dream
9. Rarified
10. On The Run
11. Don't Walk Away Eileen
12. No Sleep
13. This Wreck Of A Life
14. Paranoia