Salami Rose Joe Louis excels in creating encapsulating soundscapes that transport you to the outer reaches of the sonic atmosphere. The project is the brainchild of Lindsay Olsen, a California-based multi-instrumentalist and genre-defier. While she effortlessly crafts fully immersive instrumentations, her vocals hover just overhead. Lorings is her sixth solo album, and fourth that’s been released by Brainfeeder. The new album was entirely produced on a Roland MV8800 sampler and synthesizer, combining both analog and digital techniques.
In her lyrics, Olsen flirts with the line between absurdity and existentialism. After stanzas of nonsensical verses, she subtly drops bars of wisdom that you might almost miss if you aren’t paying attention. Laden with metaphors to accompany the dreamlike atmosphere, the album is somewhat of a choose-your-own-adventure, depending on how deeply you want to engage with the music. For example, the single “arm fell asleep” features the repeated line “arm fell asleep while I was sailing,” which could be interpreted literally as Olsen being a boating enthusiast – or understood as her arm falling asleep while she was dreaming (or daydreaming) or perhaps while she was making music. The meaning is highly open to interpretation, which is one of Salami Rose Joe Louis’ defining characteristics and what sets her apart from other producers and artists in the genre.
The new record feels like one that should be listened to front-to-back. It has the effect of feeling like one continuous thought-bubble, with several tangents and sub-thoughts transmitting out along the way. An opener like “Inside” starts off the album-long thought in a sonic bubble bath. Riddled with arpeggiators, it’s a soothing start to the album, and the accompanying deeper synth sounds reverberate throughout the record. Her last album, Sarah, was co-produced with Flanafi, who returned to collaborate on several songs on Lorings where you can hear their signature hip-hop influenced instrumentation (“Motorway,” “Dribs and drags,” “Basketball,” and “A pool to cry”). This seamlessly blends in with some new sounds introduced by SJLR on Lorings. While her usual wobbly synths and beats still face the forefront of the music, a progression into deeper atmospheric-electronic music hovers in the background, creating an intense depth that feels both immersive and transformative. The new album showcases SJLR’s ability to evolve her sound while maintaining the experimental essence that defines her artistry. This fusion of familiar and innovative elements creates a listening experience that is as introspective as it is expansive, inviting you along the ride to explore new sonic landscapes.
Lorings has moments of fun bounciness, such as the vocal inflections and building bassline in “That must be hard for you,” and the drony-turned-punchy pathway of “Crow, friendship.” A good portion of the album touches base with Olsen’s natural goofy side. “Hobbies” feels like part of an internal monologue that playfully meanders through her thoughts, capturing the quirky, unfiltered essence of her personality. The track feels intimate yet lighthearted, offering listeners a glimpse into Olsen’s unique perspective and the whimsical charm that underpins much of her work. It’s a delightful moment that balances the album’s deeper themes with a touch of levity. “Wet log” is another example of this playful seriousness; a song about not feeling adequate while drawing a comparison to a wet log. The humor and self-awareness in the tracks serve as a reminder that even in moments of doubt, Salami Rose Joe Louis finds beauty and relatability in the most unexpected moments and metaphors.
“A sauna sized pill” switches tempos in its last minute, slowing down to emulate the sensation of complete sauna immersion. The effect feels like waking up refreshed, brimming with optimism and a renewed outlook. Flirtatious vocals and tempo shifts enhance the song’s structure, propelling it forward with captivating dynamics. Shorter tracks, such as “I dunno ways” at 1:09, and “I will never say,” take on the feeling of fun song ideas fleshed out into fully realized pieces, filled with rich textures and evolving layers. They present a collage of ideas that contribute to the album’s exploratory nature.
The inviting, climbing arpeggiators on “Fill the void” propel the album’s atmosphere further. Produced by Omari Jazz, this track incorporates slightly harsher production elements that diverge from Olsen’s typical style, creating a dreamlike soundscape by its conclusion. The closing track “Fill the void // house by the lake // coda” is a revisitation of the track done with Omari Jazz, and other touch points on the record. It feels like a return to form, a reprise of her true artistic thumbprint, reminding us of her roots. This final track encapsulates the essence of the album, tying together its experimental threads while grounding listeners in the familiar warmth of her signature style. It’s a poignant conclusion that leaves an indelible mark, echoing her artistic evolution and unwavering authenticity.
Lorings is out now on Brainfeeder.
Listen to Lorings below:
April 27 – Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL opening for @mikelikesrap
April 29 – Resonant Head, Oklahoma City, OK opening for @mikelikesrap
April 30 – Tulips, Dallas, TX opening for @mikelikesrap
May 01 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX opening for @mikelikesrap
May 02 – Mohawk Outside, Austin, TX opening for @mikelikesrap
May 03 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio, TX opening for @mikelikesrap
May 08 – The Belasco, Los Angeles, CA opening for @mikelikesrap
May 12 – Blue Note, New York, NY (headline)
May 15 – The Sinclair, Boston, MA (headline)
May 16 – Nectar’s, Burlington, VT (headline)
May 17 – Festival Des Musiques-Création, Chicoutimi, CAN (headline)
May 25 – Cross The Tracks Festival – London – UK
May 26 – Kantine Am Berghain – Berlin – DE (headline)
May 27 – Badaboum – Paris – FR (headline)
May 30 – Maifeld Derby Festival – DE
Jun 13 – SF Jazz Festival, San Francisco, CA
Jun 26 – Rochester Jazz Festival, NY
Jun 27 – Montreal Intl Jazz Festival, Montreal, CAN
Jun 28 – Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa, CAN
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