A dark atmospheric journey

In Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, frontwoman Sharon Van Etten centers her audience with synth grooves and mood motifs. Submerging them into a musical landscape that often lulls listeners in through its immersive production. Notably, Van Etten’s tracks play out as a symphony before listeners- the opening track, “Live Forever,” begins with a dark 80’s synth intro that slowly propels listeners’ attention to the forefront. Van Etten questions immortality and why the concept may not be as great as people think it may be. The haunting melancholy vocals, memorable chorus, and production use of bass guitars make for a dark, atmospheric journey.

Initially, starting as a solo artist, Sharon Van Etten formed the band as a collaborative effort during a tour rehearsal in 2022 and found it liberating and consisting of Sharon Van Etten(Lead vocals, Guitar), Jorge Balbi(Drums, Machines), Derva Hoff(Bass, Vocals), and Teeny Lieberson(Synth, Piano, Guitar, Vocals). Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory was produced by Marta Salogni. The album is Sharon Van Etten’s seventh studio and the debut of the band’s collaborative effort. Production is slinky and melodic through its variety of motifs, central themes, and provoking lyrics, and offers a memorable musical journey from beginning to end.

The following track and lead single, “Afterlife,” evokes the album’s central themes of love, connection, and morality. Opening with a pulsating production of synths, drum machines, and Van Etten’s melancholy vocals, the mesmerizing lyrics and atmosphere throughout the track captivate listeners through its message of longing and plea for a love to last forever. Lyrics such as: “Will I see you in the afterlife?/Will you tell me what you think it’s like?” set the tone of uncertainty and hope for someone after they have passed away and a future reunion. “Idiot Box” is a post-punk indulgent narrative of addiction to technology and the struggle for human connection, built around a vibrant guitar riff and garage production that delivers an anthemic pop melody listeners will come back to time and time again. Meanwhile, “Trouble” slowly burns in an ambient groove that builds towards coexisting with others who may not share the same perspective. Van Etten’s vocals are sorrowful and dry throughout the track, pleading to be respected and share more profound parts of herself.

“Indio” is an 80’s rocker track that may seem out of place on the album. Still, its use of clashing drums, Van Etten monotone, reverb swallowed delivery, and infectious falsetto shared with bandmate Teeny Lieberson make for an unbeatable highlight. “Southern Life (What it Must be Like)” is a song about compassion and touches on understanding other people’s perspectives and what it must be like in their shoes. Featuring an intricate chorus: “Why can’t you see it from the other side?/We must imagine what it must be like” illustrates tolerance and compassion for others and ourselves. “Fading Beauty” is a dreamy and ambient track that showcases Van Etten’s raw vocals against a heavy synth intro production, and gentle piano slowly guides listeners to a euphoric state. The melodies are hypnotizing and beautiful, reflecting influences of Noise Pop. The album’s closer, “I Want You Here,” is where Van Etten’s striking vocals are pushed to the forefront of the album. The closer begins with a slow heartbeat drum intro featuring Van Etten’s tender vocals, leading to a song about love and intimacy. She howls, “And I want you here/Even when it hurts/And I want you here/Even when it gets worse,” alluding to a plea in asking a loved one to continue giving them intimacy, even though they are apart. The closing track culminates the journey of the album as a whole, engulfed in a dark atmosphere, and at the end, there is hope and love.

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is an album that encapsulates its listeners through a musical journey of love, connection, and morality—centering its mood and synth-heavy groove production to the forefront, making for a great collaborative effort. Van Etten’s use of motifs, which are full of variety and passion, makes this a solid release for old and new fans.