Album Review: Mitch James - Mitch James

On New Zealand born Mitch James’ debut album, he’s hitting all the notes of his predecessors - namely Ed Sheeran and Jack Johnson. Following the ‘acoustic guitar-wielding, emotion-filled crooning about the little things in life’ formula, the album features squeaky-clean production and perfectly crafted pop songs that are ready-made for radio.

At ten songs and four bonus tracks, the album is long - which is maybe its least appealing quality. While there are differences between the tracks instrumentation, from full acoustic guitar to more rocky choruses and synth-pop drumbeats, the variations aren’t enough to keep interest going for the full length of the album, and the magic wears off somewhere in the middle.

Still, there’s a certain charm that comes with chilled-out sharehouse musings from across the pond, and despite not being able to hear his accent, the accompanying video for lead single 21 gives us beautiful shots of New Zealand’s countryside that make us yearn for the simple life. This album will no doubt be a hit with the younger crowd who are, as James sings, "lost at 23" -  and nostalgic for their (slightly) younger years.