Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory: A Masterclass in Collaboration
Sharon Van Etten's rhythm and lyricism makes it clear that album this was a labor of love.
Meghan Boucher ‘27 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Even with a successful solo career under her belt, Sharon Van Etten went down a different path with her newest album, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory. Collaborating with bandmates Jorge Balbi, Devra Hoff, Teeny Lieberson, this album has the same dreamlike qualities as her older work, while being elevated by the musical talents of the band.
Van Etten started off in the music scene with a more indie folk sound. She nosedives into a punk sound on this album, with her bandmates rocking synths and bass to create a techno atmosphere that draws the listener in from the first song.
The self-titled album opens with Live Forever, which has a persistent synth presence as the singer asks the audience Who wants to live forever? It’s punk vibe feels like the listener is being transported straight into an 80s arcade game, while also giving a sense of nostalgic wonder. The haunting first track is a great way to dip into this new sound and sets the tone for the rest of the album.
The second track, Afterlife, continues with evocative inquiries about life and death. And yet, despite the gloom of the lyrics, Van Etten’s vocals are supported brilliantly by the upbeat nature of her band. The juxtaposition is a stark contrast from the previous song, but goes to show the breadth this album is trying to accomplish.
Indio, the fifth track, takes the listener down yet another path. While Van Etten’s angelic vocals float over the beat, Indio showcases the talent of Balbi, Hoff, and Lieberson. While the lyrics are overall simplistic, it’s a nice break in the middle of the album to sit back and truly appreciate the musicality of the band.
As the album reaches its middle, the eerie croons from the beginning seem to fade away. With I Can’t Imagine (Why You Feel This Way) and Southern Life (What It Must Be Like) as some notable highlights, Van Etten and the Attachment Theory really jam. You can almost feel how fun it was to make these songs in the studio. Their collaboration stands out and the result is a whimsy that you can’t help but groove to.
Just as this peak comes, the penultimate song Fading Beauty, takes the listener back to the atmosphere created at the beginning of the album. The ambient synth and melodic keys creates a sort of celestial ether that feels all consuming.
While the final track I Want You Here may be one of the less memorable songs on the album, it perfectly intertwines the talents of Van Etten and the band. As the song crescendos, the group creates a sense of yearning, which leaves the listener wanting more as the album comes to a close. As this longing sets in, the album restarts and we’re asked again Who Wants to Live Forever, solidifying the album as not only a somber loop, but a tenacious work of art.
The album succeeds in having a playful variety and a cohesive feel, which is not something that could have been accomplished as a solo effort. The rhythm and lyricism make it clear that this was a labor of love. It shows how collaboration can yield something not only unique, but surprisingly reflective. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory upon first listen is a rollercoaster of different melodies, harmonies, and just showing off raw talent. It’s like taking a plunge into ice cold waters: shocking at first, but as you sink in, you find yourself in a sort of beautiful, unearthly realm. Just as collaboration becomes easier over time, this album continues to get better with each relisten. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is a mosaic of raw talent and exemplifies how synergic art can create something truly special.