Sharon Van Etten Reinvents Herself with Band-Driven Album 'Attachment Theory'

The singer-songwriter explores collaborative songwriting and 80s-inspired synth sounds on her seventh album, her first credited alongside her band.

Sharon Van Etten's new album, 'Attachment Theory,' marks her first project co-written with her band, signaling a shift from her solo, confessional style to a more collaborative approach.
The album features a heavy influence from 80s synth-pop and goth rock, with nods to artists like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Siouxsie Sioux, as well as contributions from keyboardist Teeny Lieberson.
'Attachment Theory' was born out of jam sessions during post-pandemic rehearsals, a process Van Etten had never embraced before, resulting in a more democratic and exploratory sound.
Tracks like 'Idiot Box' and 'Live Forever' blend anthemic synth-driven beats with Van Etten's signature emotional intensity, while songs like 'Southern Life' and 'I Want You Here' explore themes of parenting and vulnerability.
The album, recorded at London's Church Studios, has been praised for its bold sonic risks, with critics highlighting its propulsive grooves and Van Etten's powerful vocal performances.