8/10

With a career built on raw vulnerability and evocative songwriting, Sharon Van Etten embarks on an exhilarating new sonic journey with her latest project, The Attachment Theory. This self-titled debut marks the first time she has written and recorded as a full band, bringing together the talents of Jorge Balbi (drums, machines), Devra Hoff (bass, vocals), and Teeny Lieberson (synth, piano, guitar, vocals). What emerges is a record that pulses with shimmering electronics, sharp textures, and deeply human storytelling, a natural evolution of Van Etten’s signature intimacy now refracted through a bold and expansive lens.

Recorded with producer Marta Salogni at The Church, the legendary former home of Eurythmics, the album thrives in a space where organic and synthetic elements collide. Layers of angular ‘80s-style synths and punchy, percussive beats provide a counterpoint to Van Etten’s luminous vocals, an interplay that reaches its emotional peak on tracks like 'Live Forever' and 'Afterlife'.

Lyrically, Van Etten remains as poignant as ever, exploring what it means to be human, our longings, fears, and transformations, but this time with a greater sense of release. There’s a palpable energy of surrender, a willingness to embrace change, and the strength that comes with relinquishing control.

This self-titled debut is a reinvention, a reclamation, and a bold leap forward within Sharon Van Etten’s storied career. With The Attachment Theory, she proves once again why she remains one of the most compelling voices in modern music, fearless in both her introspection and her ability to push the boundaries of her artistry.