Mitch James - Single Review: 21
03 Jun 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
With his most recent single release in 2017,
Mitch James has returned with a beautiful acoustic track entitled
21. The music is a simple accompaniment of a piano and a guitar, with what sounds like a finger snap or clap. The song somewhat makes me think of Ed Sheeran, who he recently opened for, however, Mitch has a more raspier tone. Mitch stands out in his musical talents, with his raw voice becoming the real statement of this track. I think there’s something incredible about hearing someone’s true voice rather than the polished vocals we usually hear on a lot of music these days.
21 is about how Mitch has changed over the course of a couple of years and how things were easier, which I’m sure everyone can relate to - I know I do. The single cover looks like Mitch playing an intimate bar gig of some sort, possibly making it a throwback to when he was actually 21. It looks very rustic and suits the track well.
I think this is a beautiful song which could be relatable for a lot of people. I really enjoyed listening to it and I look forward to hearing more from Mitch.
★★★★★ (5 stars)
Review written by Shelley Te Haara
About Mitch James
In September 2018, Auckland-based Mitch James released his self-titled, debut album. One year on it is certified Gold and features 1 Platinum (21) and 3 Gold Singles (Bright Blue Skies, Old News, All the Ways to Say Goodbye) as well as 3x 1 NZ Airplay Hits. James' talent isn't just being recognised in his home country; he's also collected Gold records in Sweden (No Fixed Abode) and Australia (Bright Blue Skies) and amassed a staggering 120 million streams worldwide.
As well as opening for Ed Sheeran across 3 shows to a combined audience of 160,000 people, he has played NZ’s biggest festivals (Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams) and sold out headline shows in both NZ and the UK. His most recent NZ tour sold over 10,000 tickets.
In 2019 he was been nominated for 3 NZ Music Awards – Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Pop Artist. In 2018 he won MTV’s European Music Award for Best New Zealand Act.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Mitch James