I like Angel Olsen doing retro country. The horn section that chimes in on the opening tracks sounds like it is from 60s Motown. This brings together and interesting cross section of sounds not unlike what country music did in the 70s which is my favorite decade of country music. The more upbeat second song, works but I am less enamored with it. When things are more introspective and reserved like on "Dream Thing" this flow in a more effective direction. "Ghost on" is a more spectral ballad that puts her sonically closer to say Marissa Nadler.
She continues on with fragile ballad with more air than bass lines to hold them together. Her voice is more delicate than alluded to earlier in the album I appreciate the emotional ambiance, but I do not think it plays to all her strengths as a songwriter. She does similar on "Right Now" but sings with more of a Patsy Kline husk to her voice. The guitar is mixed way in the background exposing her voice more intimately. This makes when the band comes in behind her more effective. I would not call her stab at country music disingenuous, but she seems to only work off the traditional country ballad, so there can be a limited range of the genre that she explores.
The programmed drums on "Go Home" give it a more laid back 90s radio rock vibe not unlike the Cowboy Junkies. I like how her voice emotes on the chorus. Then things take a step back for the piano backed ballad "Through the Fires" it should be noted that while the country thing is going on at the beginning of the album it was dropped a few songs ago. The sleepy dynamics of the song do not do as much for me as previous songs. The last song is another breezy delicate ballad that is almost not there. Overall, even if her country musings are just a cowboy hat she tries on from time to time, this album is pretty solid. Some of the ballads are not my thing but they are well done which I can not deny so i will give this album a 9.,
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