Sharon Van Etten – Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory (New Vinyl)

NEW LP

New sealed copy.

Sharon Van Etten’s new album, *Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory*, is sonically distinct from her previous work. Collaborating with her band for the first time, Van Etten found liberation by letting go of control and attachment to the outcome. This new approach resulted in an exhilarating new dimension of sound and songwriting.

Inviting her bandmates into the creative process, Van Etten had an epiphany during a desert rehearsal. She asked them to jam, and they wrote two songs that became “I Can’t Imagine” and “Southern Life” in an hour.

The album opens with a stark and dark doom synth sequence in the lead song, “Live Forever.” A crack of sharp electronic white noise propels the track with urgency as Van Etten questions the inevitability of death.

After years of artistic control, Van Etten’s wisdom permeates her work with her band. “Afterlife” is a case in point, with popcorn synths dancing around the words and melody despite the subject matter. The music is sweetly cascading and almost euphoric.

“Somethin’ Ain’t Right” is moody and danceable, powered by sequenced synth from keyboardist/vocalist Teeny Lieberson. An ostinato weaves the track together. “Fading Beauty” starts with a barely audible motif before Van Etten’s voice creeps in. She explores humanity here, oblique but relevant and personal.

Jorge Balbi on drums provides a beautiful feel and sensitivity, while Devra Hoff is melodic and sensitive to songwriting. Teeny Lieberson completes the trio on keys/vocals. Van Etten describes it as spiritual, explaining how harmonizing with Lieberson feels incredible and liberating.

Producer Marta Salogni, known for her work with synthesizers and electronics, connected with the band due to her love of synths and adventurous spirit. She balanced the group’s diverse personalities and perspectives, ensuring the band found a producer who embraced their unique sounds.

Recorded in London at Eurythmics’ former studio, The Church, the album’s mystical blend of electronics and analog textures found a perfect match.

Reflecting on this new artistic frame of mind, Van Etten emphasizes the importance of openness and self-acceptance, acknowledging that feelings and relationships can be unpredictable.

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory represents a significant leap forward in this direction. 

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
B6        I Want You Here