Kim Mitchell bounces back with his positive new single and video 2Up2BDown — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The followup to the Canadian rock icon’s comeback single and video Wishes, 2Up2BDown is also the latest preview of The Big Fantasize, the platinum-selling Juno winner’s long-overdue return to rock ’n’ roll duty after 13 years. Mitchell’s eighth studio album — which arrives Nov. 13 — will be the former Max Webster frontman’s first outing since 2007’s Ain’t Life Amazing. But while that album was a fiery and fierce rock outing anchored by big riffs and bigger swagger, The Big Fantasize is a more dynamic and musically expansive effort that perfectly encapsulates Mitchell’s prowess as a pure and compelling songwriter. Fittingly, he is about to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, joining fellow inductees like Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young.
The Big Fantasize was co-produced by close friend and Grammy-winning hitmaker Greg Wells (Keith Urban, Adele, Taylor Swift). Wells was truly excited by the potential of these nine tracks working with Kim at his L.A. studio. The vocal hooks are abundant and Mitchell’s mastery of his instrument is still on full display. “What I like most about these songs is that I see my audience in them,” Mitchell explains. “I think that’s very important for songwriters — to explore themes that we all know and go through as people.”
Having those stories framed by the unmistakable vocals and fancy fretwork of one of Canada’s most celebrated artists only enhances their resonance, and the sheen from one of modern music’s most decorated producers is one hell of a finishing touch. While a good portion of Mitchell’s back catalogue is rooted in the high-octane rock that goes from 0-60 in an instant, The Big Fantasize still offers a pretty sweet and sexy ride — just one where the focus is less on what’s under the hood and more on life’s journey.
Watch 2Up2BDown above, hear more from Kim Mitchell below, and connect with him via his website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
