Review Summary: It's finally clear where the real talent lies.
“And the winner…of this year’s Australian Idol…is…”
Not important.
Truly! No matter who they are, chances are most of them will be halfway to obscurity oblivion by now. If there’s anything we the masses have learned over the past few years, it’s the ones that don’t win that you need to look out for. Look at runner-up Dean Geyer, who came second and managed not only an underrated debut record, but a long-serving stint as a cast member of Neighbours (home to many a pop career launched to begin with). How about Matt Corby, the adorable teen who grew up, grew a beard and has created meticulously crafted folk delicacies since leaving the show as a finalist? And how about little Lisa Mitchell? If you remember correctly, the adorably shy girl from Albury, New South Wales with countless freckles, a polite charm and an understated vocal ability.
The voting public might not have seen her as promising a talent as runner-up Jessica Mauboy, but thankfully this did not stop Mitchell’ passion in pursuing the creation of her own music. Her first two EPs were miniscule gems, with some lovely songwriting and pleasant vocals. Even still, these releases gave more of the impression on the listener of “wait until you see what happens next”, rather than “this is who I truly am as an artist”. With
Wonder, Lisa’s debut record, that exuberant and thrilling feeling of the latter’s approach shins through like the first beams of the morning’s sunrise through the flicker of trees. And if this metaphor made you smile at all, then you might just enjoy what Wonder has to offer. You may even grow to love it.
Much has been said about the “world” that is created by Mitchell on the album. It’s a place of togetherness and of happily-ever-after certainty, in which there are still tunnels and clouds to overcome, yet lights and silver linings accompany them. In all actuality, the world of Lisa Mitchell’s truly isn’t all that different from our own – it’s all simply a matter of perspective on what we already have. Case in point: you, for instance, may see going to the coin laundry with only one other person in there as somewhat of an awkward, somewhat uncomfortable experience. Mitchell, conversely, sees a flash of romance and a boy-meets-girl adventure with queens, thieves, tea and lemon trees. This imaginative flourish results in "Coin Laundry", a definitive highlight of the record that showcases unique percussion, charming vocal effects and…wait for it…beatboxing. In harmony. If there’s a summary of how far Lisa Mitchell has come since nationally-televised karaoke, then surely this is it.
Even beyond this pinnacle, Mitchell proves to have quite a flair in musical creativity. Throughout
Wonder, she can be found inventively layering her breathy, wistful vocals and sweetly simple guitar & piano with not only your usual kitschy-indie fanfare (glockenspiel, handclaps, etc), but all kinds of quirky sounds. Just a few that come to mind include an alarm clock ("Clean White Love"), children’s squeals ("Oh! Hark!") and the swaying of water on the gorgeous "Pirouette". It’s a difficult task for a listener not to be drawn in by Mitchell’s charm. There are plentiful moments on the record where one feels as if the characters she portrays on each track could be a close friend. In that respect, the song’s high-level likability and outstanding personality succeed in flying technicolour.
This is soulful, heart-felt pop that is destined to appeal to a far greater demographic than Idol winners themselves could ever dream to reach. It’s high-time the world was introduced to lovely little Lisa – coming to a coin laundry near you. Gentlemen, you have been warned.
