SHARON VAN ETTEN
8
Are We There
JagJaguwar (2014)
“That unique sensation is due to her ability of singing as if her voice is out of her body, coming from a place where music seems to be the answer to all of your problems.” It has been a long way since Sharon Van Etten’s official debut Because I Was In Love was released in 2009. Known by her atypical heavy-use of harmonies, the American singer-songwriter now releases her fourth album, Are We There, embracing a pacifist riot soul and singing mostly about fear and love. Her melodies often feel as if they’re not quite as steady as her lyrics, capable of taking your breath away, but still her sound makes you wonder why there aren’t many women like this producing music these days. In fact, Van Etten self-produced the 11-track-record with Stewart Lerman (St. Vincent, Antony & the Johnsons, Boardwalk Empire), recording it at Hobo Sound in New
Jersey and Electric Lady in New York. Maybe this is why listening to Are We There is a funny way of finding a new way back home: Sharon isn’t originally from NY, but she found a way to get there and make it work. Songs such as the main single “Every Time the Sun Comes Up” – in fact, the last song of the entire album, and the most vivid one – actually brings some fresh air to our boring routine, and the music video also kicks in without asking for permission. Other songs such as “Your Love Is Killing Me” and “Afraid of Nothing” are worth mentioning, with strong passionate lyrics such as “Taste blood/Everybody needs to feel” and crowded of violent fantasies and dark desires.
FOR FANS OF:
ESSENTIAL TRACKS:
St. Vincent, Torres, Angel Olsen
It’s important to state that when performing live Van Etten isa warm presence, making you feel at home even in the impersonal of rooms. That unique sensation is due to her ability of singing as if her voice is out of her body, coming from a place where music seems to be the answer to all of your problems. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss her live show – youtube videos certainly don’t make her justice. In “Every Time the Sun Comes Up”, she ironically sings “People say I’m a one-hit wonder, but what happens when I have two?” – we actually don’t have a reply, but we might as well wish Van Etten to find her answer – or her (second) hit – soon.
Afraid of Nothing, Break Me, Our Love
musicandriotsmagazine.com
MARIANA SILVA
99