WORDS BY MACKENZIE KELLER / PHOTOS BY JUSTIN YEE
Angel Olsen and opener Chris Cohen joined together at Phoenix’s Crescent Ballroom this past Sunday, February 12, after their last pit stop in Albuquerque and before they promptly embarked for Los Angeles. The sold-out show was eclectic in bystanders but united in both its esteem of Cohen and absolute adoration of Olsen. Olsen started off her first three songs with arguably her most popular – “You’ll Never Be Mine”, “Hi-Five” and “Shut Up Kiss Me” respectively. It was a strong start, one that made the transition to her softer, more soulful tunes such as “Heart-Shaped Face” and “Lights Out” light and effortless. The crowd sang along as Olsen ran through most of her 2016 album MY WOMAN which has earned her applause from NPR, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and more, as well as several acclaimed songs from albums Burn Your Fire For Now Witness and Half Way Home.
Despite technical difficulties resulting in robust and overpowering vocals from Olsen, the crowd welcomed it ardently, embracing the breathy and poignant notes of every song. With tracks like “Sister”, “Woman” and “Heart-Shaped Face”, you can feel the overwhelming sense she’s got a bone to pick with gender-normative ideals and expectations, or just the desire to be heard and taken seriously. Last night’s performance aside, we won’t soon forget Angel Olsen.
Setlist
Never Be Mine
High Five
Shut Up Kiss Me
Lights Out
Heart Shaped Face
Sister
Those Were The Days
Miranda
High and Wild
Not Gonna Kill U
Sweet Dreams
Forgiven Forgotten
Give It Up
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Intern
Woman
Total Control
