A beautiful little package arrived, and when I unwrapped the twine holding it together, Lisa Mitchell’s latest EP Welcome To The Afternoon glowed with folk stories, sepia tones and young maturity.

Having grown up in Albury, NSW, Mitchell broke into the music industry on reality TV show ‘Australian Idol’ in 2006, where at age 16 she received both praise and criticism for her unique folk voice. Declining the immediate record deal that most Idol brethren accept, Mitchell took time to work on her own style which eventuated her signing with indie label Scorpio Music.

Welcome To The Afternoon is an excellent example of showcasing depth and variety, while Mitchell manages to maintain her strong folk roots. The opening track ‘See You When You Get Here’ has an ominous, haunting sense. “How do you feel about being dead?” opens the eerie darkness, with doubled vocals, a disturbed saw and deep drums. There’s provocation and a sense of the individuality and musical creativity rarely seen from Idol contestants. Not to mention help from Evermore’s Dann Hume; who produced 2 of the 4 tracks on the EP.

‘Neopolitan Dreams’ balances on being playful, innocent, and dare I say it- childish. But all in the best possible way. It’s the type of breakout tune that could muster huge success- think Feist’s song ‘1234’. It’s indie, melodic, free flowing and intensely packed with gorgeous tinkling piano and a chorus that is as catchy as the flu in winter.

While ‘Far Far Far Away’ has lyrical linearity, the soft snare and crescending percussion is Waifs-esque. Closing on a more upbeat note, the final track ‘A Little Ramblin’ Blues For Any Hour’ is a little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll. Dann Hume’s percussion is paramount, along with Mitchell’s harmonica. Its real knee-slapping, toe-tapping stuff. Working with the likes of Tex Perkins, Bob Evans and Claire Bowditch has obviously influenced Mitchell in the best possible way.

Mitchell couldn’t have chosen a better direction for herself musically; her bluesy folk sound is beautifully juxtaposed with lyrical storytelling and an evolving young voice. Stay tuned, as Lisa Mitchell is bound to land on the airwaves momentarily.