by Dana Poland (@danazsz)
For the questions posed in Big Time, Forever Means seeks answers. Less than a year following the release of her acclaimed indie-folk record, Angel Olsen returns with a masterfully curated EP featuring four songs left out of Big Time’s final cut. Though only sixteen minutes in length, Forever Means is nothing short of the journey we expect is only achievable through a full-length LP. The familiar sound is no accident – the lyrics expand on the themes of Big Time, while the instrumentation and lyrical abstractions are reminiscent of All Mirrors and My Woman. These choices take listeners on a tour of her discography thus far while including deeper elements that display her growth as an artist. Known for taking major stylistic leaps between albums, Forever Means represents both the bow that ties Olsen’s discography together and a teaser for the elevated lyrical depth and instrumentation we can expect to see from her on future projects.
Olsen skillfully constructs a record with four songs completely unique to one another without diminishing their cohesion. The first track, “Nothing’s Free,” perfectly introduces the atmosphere with a slow, dark sound coupled with introspective lyrics, forcing listeners to get lost in her mind from the first chord. Olsen’s contradictory, unsure lyrics never bring comfort or certainty. The saxophone solo, though, speaks louder than words, showing that Olsen finds solace in her feelings rather than through logical explanations. The EP’s titular song, “Forever Means,” questions the paradox of Olsen promising “forever” while still expecting herself to evolve. “Time Bandits” introduces interesting percussive elements that help slowly build tension moving into the EP’s final track, “Holding On,” which contains a more fast-paced, maximalist sound.
Her gothic sound makes listeners feel as though we are floating through Olsen’s mind as she works through the familiar problems of love, loss, and identity. While each of the four tracks are meant to evoke a different feeling, the transition between each brings forth a natural wave of emotions that creates an equilibrium. While “Nothing’s Free” creates uncertainty, “Forever Means” offers self-assurance, and although “Time Bandits” creates a slow and dark atmosphere, “Holding On” ends the EP on a punchier, brighter note.
Without a doubt, Forever Means affirms Angel Olsen’s reputation as one of indie’s most intricate songwriters. There is something remarkable in her ability to transform her musicality; she takes different indie subgenres and makes them her own. Though only a four track EP, this record is nothing to be overlooked. With its vulnerable lyrics and captivating melodies, Forever Means deserves a place as one of Olsen’s most meaningful projects to date.