After her highly-acclaimed 2010 debut Strange Cacti landed in the hands of listeners, it became very obvious the special presence Angel Olsen offered to music fans. She had a fresh edge to her sound, a warm and wonderful range, and a level of skill and charm out of this world.

2012's Half Way Home is a continuation of her elegance brought forth on Strange Cacti, a collection of both new and old music, honed and matured, thoughts revisited. We're hearing this same beautiful girl with that same beautiful voice, this time brought up to a new level, in no doubt a growth and reach brought on by several road trips with the one and only Bonnie Prince Billy and crew. The work of Angel Olsen is entirely her own: a raw, glowing sound that stands out now just as much as it did in 2010.

It's an emotional stew with Angel's robust voice up front, bold and engaging, coming out of the background, aching to be heard. With the help of Emmett Kelly (Cairo Gang) behind the board and playing throughout, Half Way Home is a natural progression showcasing the wondrous sounds of a songwriter with such a voice that is rarely found.