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And I can see why the righteous Ani di would have taken Anaïs Mitchell under her wing. She has the off the wall lyrics, the wide-open guitar sound, the slightly mournful take on love that fits right in with Righteous Babe’s output. However, where di Franco flies off into the ether of anger, politics (sexual and national), lust and fear Mitchell keeps it on the low.

The 25-year-old has a similar world-weary musing and still innocent style but there’s something a bit country about her, something a bit Nico, and what makes this a real gem is not only the sensitive songwriting, but its scope, taking the listener from Virginia to Santa Fe to the West Bank (in the excellent ‘Song of the Maji’, a strong song in a strong album).

Although Mitchell is by no means an Ani clone the similarities are striking and The Brightness fits alongside Educated Guess and Evolve and stands up against both well.

Adreneline-charged it may not be but for fans of Ms di Franco it’s a must, for anyone else it’s still well worth seeking out.

Links:
Anaïs Mitchell at Righteous Babe
www.anaismitchell.com
www.myspace.com/anaismitchell