REVIEW: Angel Olsen, 'Forever Means' EP

By Sophia Callan

Angel Olsen released her Forever Means EP on April 14 following the release of her raw and identity-driven country album Big Time. Forever Means was recorded during the Big Time sessions and it’s apparent, as both releases have strong themes of vulnerability and identity. 

As someone who is familiar with Olsen’s discography, this EP displays growth and confidence. Olsen’s earlier works Half Way Home (2012), Burn Your Fire No Witness (2014) and My Woman (2016) were folky rock-and-roll laced with dream pop, all about the isolating, yet urgent feeling to figure out who you are. In Forever Means, although Olsen seems to be still searching for more, we feel more open to change and who we are through this EP.

Upon a first listen, the sequencing of the songs may feel a bit like whiplash. However, the EP as a whole feels like a tender, but driving force and Olsen seems to come into her own. As she said to Rolling Stone, “When self-denial breaks, and you notice how long you’ve been restraining who you are.” This is felt throughout the EP, and that feeling of embracing your true self is especially apparent in the track “Nothing’s Free”. Initially released as a single, the opening track is jazzy and soulful, and we hear a warm piano, a saxophone and a good amount of reverb. The cathartic song feels like one slow burn but is still liberating when we hear the saxophone solo take over for Olsen’s voice.

In the second and title track, “Forever Means,” Olsen’s voice becomes the leading instrument, backed by a soft acoustic guitar. The lyrics again are vulnerable and bare, relaying the notion of being kind and honest to yourself and those around you. “Time Bandits” also puts Olsen’s vocals at the forefront, this time layered and backed by a cushy beat. Although it’s not as hard-hitting musically as the rest of the EP, lyrically, it’s as strong as ever.

We’re then driven home with “Holding On.” The song feels like embracing change as a part of love and oneself. Musically, this song feels more triumphant and hopeful than that of the closing track, “Big Time”. A persistent kick drum is accompanied by an instrument adjacent to a dilruba and an electric guitar.

While writing this review, I’m around the same age as Olsen when she released her first couple of albums. Listening to Forever Means while in your early 20s and in a place where works like Half Way Home and My Woman feel as relatable as ever made this EP feel all the more special. In the EP’s title track, Olsen sings, “Forever means always looking, forever means trying to see, forever means saying what’s on your mind, forever means make sure [to] take your time.” That feeling of looking for more never quite leaves, but that’s okay, and we should continue to open ourselves up to self-discovery and change as long as we are patient and honest with ourselves.

Forever Means asks its listeners to remain curious and to focus on growing their true selves while learning to be kind and vulnerable. You can purchase Olsen's EP or catch Angel Olsen on tour in the United States, the United Kingdom and in Europe. ♦