OLAN has been involved in music since early childhood, playing multiple instruments at one time, including violin and cello. Her ability as a songwriter is clear, a level that is only really possible when you start playing from your early years. It can be common for electronic producers to stick with basic chord progressions and simple melodies, but OLAN’s intricate rhythms and arrangements are something that are instantly noticeable when you listen to her music. It’s especially evident on her
debut studio album, ‘Contra’, a 9-track long player that comes via the always reliable Anjunadeep. Combining ambient, progressive, deep house, and drum & bass, she delivers a very strong showcase of her talents. It’s packed with fluid synth melodies, chilling vocals, and emotive piano work, with hints of acid coming through on ‘Promise To Keep’ and big D&B sounds on ‘Ultraviolet’, something we don’t often see on Anjuna outside of remixes. The album adds to a catalogue which has already seen her release music on labels like UKF and Armada Electronics, as well as multiple collaborations with trance and progressive specialist Mat Zo. If the level of quality on Contra is anything to go by, then things are only getting started for the Georgia born American, but for now you can check our recommended starting points on Contra, and a few similar albums that are worth checking out.
Where to start:
Submerge: Harmonising synth work and dreamy vocals
Wake And Return: Skippy drum rhythms and a big low end
Ultraviolet: Hypnotic drum & bass anthem featuring Zeal
Previous from OLAN:
Reflections EP (2021, UKF)
Push EP (2020, Anjunadeep)
If you like this then check out:
CRi – Juvenile LP (2020, Anjunadeep)
Luttrell – Lucky Ones LP (2020, Anjunadeep)
OLAN – Contra LP is out now on Anjunadeep. Listen to the album below.