Angel Olsen introduces her latest EP, ‘Forever Means’, over a sultry, sombre piano score. As a saxophone and electronic organ breeze through in the wake of Olsen’s crooning vocals, opening track Nothing’s Free shines. “Here it comes, no way to stop it now,” she sings.
It’s intriguing invitation to follow Olsen somewhere new, following the acclaim of her 2022 album ‘Big Time’. It may come as a surprise to learn that the four sumptuous tracks collected here are actually previously discarded cuttings from the recording sessions for that very album.
Olsen expressed ahead of this release that they were not suited to the overall tone of her previous work and, from the opening track alone, it is easy to hear the differences that she was referring to.
Reflective of a period of deep personal change for Olsen, feelings of love and loss are clearly instilled into each song, with ‘Forever Means’ encapsulating a weighty amount of emotion.
There is no denying the heart-wrenching impact of Nothing’s Free and the title track, yet Time Bandits and Holding On deliver that niche Olsen sound that fans might be craving, honing her distinct flair for power ballads with a deliciously modern twist.
There is a sort of charm in the EP closing with Olsen as we know her best, almost alluding to her full-circle transformation. Through turbulent emotions and heartache, to arrive back home and at peace with oneself and the notion of love, is powerful. “Couldn’t see the light you brought to me, now you’re gone, it’s all I see,” she sings.
Angel Olsen Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue August 29 2023 - LEEDS Leeds Irish Centre
Wed August 30 2023 - BIRMINGHAM Mill
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