This really shouldn’t work as well as it does. That was my first thought as I listened to Jenny Omnichord’s (Jenny Mitchell of The Barmitzvah Brothers) debut solo album, Cities of Gifts and Ghosts.

Of course, as part of The Barmitzvah Brothers she’s already seen her fair share of endearingly off-kilter songwriting, but an entire album of songs played on the omnichord? On paper that’s a concept that seems far too reliant on shtick value, but somehow Mitchell has managed to find a precarious balance between novelty cheese and just plain fun.

Truth be told, I had no idea what the little electronic instrument even was before I picked up this release, though it’s clear that many others do, as the list of guest omnichord players on this album includes such names as Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) and Jon-Rae Fletcher (Jon-Rae & the River). Actually, the whole album is crammed with notable indie names. In fact, a different producer was used for each track, with production credits including the likes of Don Kerr, Dave Clark, Bob Wiseman and Jim Guthrie among others.

It would seem to me that the influx of different omnichordists and producers was a good idea too, as it keeps things fresh on an album that could have easily lost its novelty early on. Jenny herself indicates as much to Exclaim! Magazine, as she says:

“I felt this project would really suffer if it was only looked at from one angle; it’s only one sound and one voice and if I went with one person how could they possibly make each song distinct? It was also a way to satisfy my curiosity about all these people who’ve offered to help over the years.”

Of course, all the songs on Cities of Gifts and Ghosts were written by Mitchell herself, so credit where credit’s due, but it’s nice to have your friends come out and lend a hand (not to mention some quirky backing vocals, as on “Ghost Flyers in the Sky”).

I admit that I expected this album to be a self-indulgent novelty project with a few notable guests, but after a few listens I’m ready to eat my words. The beats are rudimentary, the vocals are understated and infatuating, and the songs are catchy in their simplicity. Basically, Cities of Gifts and Ghosts gives the amicable impression of someone doing something sheerly out of enjoyment. How can you criticize that?

Now where do I get myself one of these omnichords?

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Check out a track below:

Jenny Omnichord - Gone So Far

Listen to a few more (including a cover of The Guess Who’s “These Eyes,” not present on this album) at Jenny Omnichord’s Myspace page or buy a digital copy of Cities of Gifts and Ghosts here.