Mitchell’s new cd listens like poetry
Anaïs Mitchell puts smooth sounds, hidden messages and meanings on album
By Lola Sizemore, contributing writer
Posted on February 1, 2007

Anaïs Mitchell’s songs from her newest CD, The Brightness, sounds as if it belongs as the end-of-the-episode music montage on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Mitchell takes listeners on an emotional roller coaster with her smooth and expressive sound.

Mitchell, a young singer-songwriter from Vermont, has a new style of folk music that makes movie and TV soundtracks worth a listen. Her sound is unique enough to be different, but sounds familiar enough to be memorable. With a mellow vibe that screams musical therapy, The Brightness is innovative and Mitchell has creatively written each song to have a hidden message or meaning.

The 11th track, “Out of Pawn,” is a moving tribute about losing someone in Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The Brightness’ eclectic sound is due to the accompanying musicians on many of the tracks, which include instruments like the banjo, cello, organ and even a viola. 

Mitchell’s style is offbeat, thoughtful and even a little theatrical. Interestingly enough, Mitchell is planning to write a folk-opera based on the myth of Hades and Eurydice, according to her Web site.

Her voice is better than the advanced karaoke singer, but has a little touch of a Thursday night poetry reading. With some songs, listeners can actually picture a blacked-out stage and a guy playing the bongos in the back. The third track, “Namesake,” is like a beautifully written poem that has some faint Dave Matthews influences and could be considered the best track of the entire CD. However, the rest of the CD is more like a love child of Ani DiFranco and Fiona Apple rather than a Dave Matthews’clone. 

One huge downside to The Brightness is the feeling of a constant stream of day-spa music. A pick-me-up song is much needed to break up the monotony of the mellow tracks.

Mitchell’s voice has a particular taste. While it may be amazing to a folk connoisseur, her voice can wear thin and become annoying after a while. On the other hand, those who want something a little different from the mainstream might want to give this CD a chance.