The new release of “Sans” would give two people who disagree about Angel Olsen something to talk about. It’s a beautiful song, the kind that will tip an emotional imbalance into a full weep. The gentle strum of her guitar’s low strings disguises the songs chords among the tones of her voice, that crackle underneath an antique microphone. Olsen’s songwriting ability is unmistakable and her output is impressive.

The release of “Sans” comes with Phases, a curation of B-sides, rarities and demos from the past few years. Olsen recorded the song at home in the summer of 2015. Pitchfork says that “Angel Olsen’s outtakes are everyone else’s A-game,” but they probably haven’t heard Jimi Hendrix’s home demo of “Angel.” However, Olsen’s melodies and voice attach to her guitar capability with ease to create her song that can bend upwards and downwards. She can write a brooding two-chord song and make each strum sound like a different note as easily as she can write a punk song.

Olsen visited KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Electric” show to play a selection of songs that included “Sans.” She had a few words with the hosts during show.

“’Sans’ was a song I wrote in between Burn Your Fire and My Woman, something short and simple – but about a big thing in my life: travel and what it can do to the psyche.”

Artists often write music dealing with the struggle of a long tour. The constant travel and performance can be arduous, but frustration and boredom can foster great creativity. Olsen has already released “Special” and “Fly on Your Wall,” and is currently on tour. Her performance for “Austin City Limits” is now available for viewing.

Photography Credit: Owen Ela