Album Review: Anna Mitchell, Anna Mitchell

Anna Mitchell’s second album sees the alt-folk singer serving up something of a musical pick ‘n’ mix. Aided and abetted by members of John Blek and the Rats, O Emperor and more, and boasting material largely written in Woodstock while she was recording with the Felice Brothers, the album never truly settles on one flavour. The result is a strong, sometimes surprising collection that will linger in your mind long after it finishes. While we would’ve liked an extra few tunes, the ten tracks are a feast for the ears. The stellar ‘All These Things’, which has echoes of Cat Power’s ‘The Greatest’ in the chorus, is just one of several standout moments. Elsewhere, the mini-rock opera ‘Better Life’, the cowpunk-peppered ‘Get Out’ and the countrified ‘Lovin’s For Fools’ see Mitchell stretch her considerable musical muscles. However, the record’s most mesmerising moment is ‘Never Learn’; once you think you know where the song is leading, Mitchell changes the destination. Part brooding. Fleetwood Mac-style ballad, part Irish trad lament, it’s an unforgettable three minutes of music. OUT NOW

Rating: 7/10