Since emerging in 2010 with the EP ‘Strange Cacti’, a collection of stripped-back songs teeming with folk influences, Angel Olsen’s palette has rapidly expanded. While remaining a constant in the indie sphere, the singer-songwriter has dabbled in country, pop and heartland rock while collaborating with artists including Sharon Van Etten, Mark Ronson and Emile Mosseri.
Her latest release, ‘Cosmic Waves Volume 1’, leans into this eclecticism and openness. It’s an experimental compilation that takes a unique approach to spotlighting other artists: the first half of the album showcases original songs by musicians handpicked by Olsen, with the second comprising Olsen covering previously released songs from each of those acts.
LA musician Poppy Jean Crawford’s Glamorous serves as a dazzling, heavy opener, with her vocals raw and unapologetic as they screech against rocky guitar riffs.
Crawford knows how to make an impactful first impression, and her versatility as an artist is conveyed via Olsen’s cover of her song The Takeover, where sentimental, wistful lyrics offer a complete juxtaposition with Glamorous’s darker, more metaphor-heavy approach.
Equally, Olsen’s performance is truly angelic and completely changes the tone of Crawford’s original iteration of the song — it becomes almost mournful, with a bare bones instrumental contrasting with Crawford’s upbeat indie-pop take.
The most eccentric song here is the punchy, synth-heavy new wave of Blood, delivered by Coffin Prick, the stage name of multi-instrumentalist Ryan Weinstein. Elsewhere, there are the warm, melodic vocals of Sarah Grace White, a heartfelt piano ballad by Maxim Ludwig and the hypnotic musical stylings of New York quartet Camp Saint Helene.
While Olsen’s rendition of Camp Saint Helene’s Farfisa Song is the most faithful, all of her covers are transformative, staying true to her own musical style while encouraging listeners to seek out the originals, if only to see the stark contrast between the two. ‘Cosmic Waves Volume 1’ opens up an avenue for the curious while remaining an enjoyable self-contained listen. It's a quiet triumph for Olsen and her friends.
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