Album Review: Bob Evans - Familiar Stranger

The very title of Bob Evans' fourth album, Familiar Stranger, is probably a fair indication Kevin Mitchell is heading in a brand new direction with his solo material. As it says, the tracks here seem a little familiar as they're chock full of Mitchell's trademark pop melodies, while the lyrics still invoke that warm sense of nostalgia that made the first three Bob Evans releases so memorable. But where this album differs from the Suburban trilogy is that Mitchell's really beefed up the production value. Wrapping these tunes in lush textures and adding layers of melody throughout, there is hardly a simple acoustic track to be found. And, while taking such a big jump out of your comfort zone can sometimes be a step too far, Mitchell does it with ease, delivering what may be one of the great Australian pop records.

It's a big call, sure, but much of the music here is really that good, especially the fantastic Sitting In The Waiting Room. Intricate and poignant, Mitchell moves into Elliott Smith territory with a track that knows exactly when to pause and when to flow. Having been back with Jebediah in 2011, Mitchell also unleashes some rockier moments like Don't Wanna Grow Up Anymore and Go, while Get It Together even contains traces of Tame Impala-style psychedelia. Harmonies are put to good effect as Bruises delivers a nice little chorus while closer Wonderful You is the album's one acoustic moment, but it's a handpicked gem. Some of the later tracks, like the almost six-minute From Ourselves, seem to plod a little, but this is a minor gripe for what's otherwise a great leap forward.