The first time I listened to Burn Your Fire…, I wasn’t sold. I was rushing about on one of those afternoons where all your deadlines seem to come at once. I thought having something described by NPR as “the musical equivalent of a deep, questioning stare from a lover” would be a calming influence. Instead I quickly became frustrated by how derivative it sounded; a less fiery Liz Phair, a more boring Feist, even a Leonard Cohen rip off.
Despite all this I’d heard good things, so I thought I’d give it a second chance. This time it was an unhurried afternoon, the sun was bright and warm, and the change in the music was stunning.
Sitting back and letting the music wash over me, I kind of understood what Olsen was trying to do. The music is wonderfully languid and content, whilst the words paint a picture of unhappiness that gives an intriguing contrast.
Her voice is a little flat at times, but her writing style is engaging and personal, and she’s got some great lines on here, like ‘High & Wild’s’ “I’m neither innocent or wise when you look me in the eyes/You might as well be blind”.
I still think the album is a little boring though, and as I’ve mentioned you have to be in the right mood to listen to it. But when you are, it really hits the spot.
