Album Review: Angel Olsen Has “All Mirrors” For Reflection
“In every way — from the making of it, to the words, to how I feel moving forward, this record is about owning up to your darkest side, finding the capacity for new love, and trusting change even when you feel like a stranger.” — Angel Olsen
Sometimes, an artist’s statement is 100% enough on describing their album. Olsen’s All Mirrors is like a funhouse filled with mirrors that alter and re-shape every fear and wild she had quelled rather than embraced. Sonically, it is the equivalent to a thunderous roar in the dead of night. All you see is darkness, but you know there is strength and even a line of defense within the shadows.
What I love about All Mirrors is that Olsen is clearly rediscovering herself as a person and thus as an artist. Her journey is one that i hope every woman undergoes. I want every woman to analyze their spiritual fractures and re-think the bits of them they have defined as “broken” or “too crazy.” As women, we are trained to be polite and unthreatening, despite the SEVERAL times in our life that men will be the polar opposite. We hold two minds in every scenario: one that analyzes our own comfort and safety in contrast to the one analyzing and measuring whether surrounding men find us appeasing. Frankly, it sucks, and, literally, every winding, raking guitar chord feels like Olsen saying, “I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE!”
Angel Olsen – All Mirrors (Official Video)
You ever wonder if what you call your darkness is your light and what you call your light is your darkness? It is a scary thought because then you have to revamp how you have lived, and tread upon a ponderous road called “Self- Awareness.” “Impasse,” “Lark.” “Tonight,” and “Endgame” have Olsen embracing her desires for better or worse, even if it costs the relationship. Her whole “Me First” movement even changes her voice; allowing her to sound more kick-ass. Yes, I know the word may not seem like a proper, critic term, but her voice feels passionately clear in this record. Like someone that doesn’t mind anymore the heartbreaks and fights that come with getting what you want for yourself. For More Information On Angel Olsen Click Here.
