Sharon Van Etten The Attachement Theory

    Sharon Van Etten

    19 Jun

    By

    Album: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
    Label: Jagjaguwar – JAG464, Impressed Recordings (2) – IMP106
    Series: Impressed Vinyl Club
    Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Blue & Purple Marble
    Released: 2025
    Genre: Rock, Indie Rock, Alt Folk

    May We Live Forever in Indie Heaven…

    For those unfamiliar with Sharon Van Etten, this new self-titled album with her band The Attachment Theory is a great place to start. I’ve enjoyed her work since 2014’s album “Are We There?” with the “Taking Chances” track as the “Who is that?” moment.

    Her breathy raspy vocals and atmospheric soundscapes are sometimes compared with Siouxsie Sioux’s of Siouxsie and the Banshees. Van Etten’s music is characterised by a heavy use of harmonies and strong basslines. Somewhat sorrowful poetics underpin her messages.

    Van Etten cites Ani DiFranco as a key influence, saying, “She was the first musician I had ever heard whose songs were super confessional. She could really play guitar…”

    Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten, and her first album with her group The Attachment Theory. It was released through Jagjaguwar on February 7, 2025, and has met with positive critical reception.

    Van Etten has blended electronic sounds into her music. She has said, “I listen to a lot of OMD… I’m into a lot of the new post-punk electronic stuff.” Van Etten has also cited Scott Walker, Cocteau Twins, Rowland S. Howard, Joy Division, Roy Orbison, and Celine Dion as some of her musical influences. In a 2020 interview, when asked about a few albums that mean the most to her, she named John Cale’s Fear (1974), Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk (1979), and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ No More Shall We Part (2001).

    Sharon Katharine Van Etten (born February 26, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress. Originally from New Jersey, and currently based in Los Angeles, Van Etten’s music is noted for its indie rock aesthetic and personal lyrical content. In the studio and during live performances, Van Etten is accompanied by her backing band, the Attachment Theory, which consists of Devra Hoff (bass guitar, backing vocals), Teeny Lieberson (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals) and Jorge Balbi (drums).

    Live Forever is a cracking opener to the album with driving basslines and synth drones creating a War on Drugs like wall of sound.

    Afterlife is right at home in the fine work of NZ artist Jonathan Bree who I also like. Dreampop and Shoegaze friendly with electronic overlays.

    I Can’t Imagine (why You Feel This Way) has echoes of Mick Karn fretless bass lines from English art pop band Japan. A live version from a recent NYC event is found here:

    A full live concert at KCRW Studio is available here:

    The entire album has a continuity of feel and flow which leads to late night rewards. It will also rock out with overloaded guitar distortions which ebb and flow with sequencers building to crescendos of layered harmonies and atmospherics.

    If your system can handle complexity and drive this album will shine.

    She tours Australia in November 2025 at The Forum in Melbourne and tickets are booked. George and I are locked in with a posse. It’s going to be a night. Check out her tour dates and make a beeline for the venue. Grab the album regardless. See you in the Afterlife!

    Tracklist

    A1: Live Forever
    A2: Afterlife
    A3: Idiot Box
    A4: Trouble
    A5: Indio
    B1: I Can’t Imagine (Why You Feel This Way)
    B2: Somethin’ Ain’t Right
    B3: Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)
    B4: Fading Beauty
    B5: I Want You Here

    Credits

    Notes

    © + ℗ 2025 Jagjaguwar. Recorded at The Church Studios, London, Mastered… NYC

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