‘Are We There’ is a record that hits you in the gut, peeling back layers of hurt, uncovering old wounds and laying bare emotions long neglected.
Sharon Van Etten, in her own words, writes love songs. But these love songs are cut from the real world, complete with painful sacrifices, lingering regrets and rose-tinted reflection.
The album navigates an on-off relationship that was part of the fabric of Van Etten’s New York life, and duly it jumps from moments that feel warm and lived in to snapshots of grim yearning and painful separation.
From the cover photo - a gift long forgotten that resurfaced at an unexpected moment - to her admission in the final song - “Every time the sun comes up, I’m in trouble” - it’s an all-encompassing experience.
Having taken over the production mantle - following Aaron Dessner’s involvement on ‘Tramp’, her breakthrough album - Van Etten has imparted something of herself to every note. ‘Are We There’ is often a gruelling listen, but one whose beauty is only revealed by spending some time with it, warts and all.
For an example, look no further than Van Etten’s plaintive cry on Your Love Is Killing Me: “Break my legs so I won’t walk to you. Cut my tongue so I can’t talk to you. Burn my skin so I can’t feel you. Stab my eyes so I can’t see you.” In isolation, the words are singularly overwrought. But here, powered by Van Etten’s powerful, weathered voice, they feel all too real.
On the other side of the coin, Our Love provides a brief moment of levity, while the introduction of subtle, ‘60s soul-indebted horns on Tarifa is a welcome one, imbuing another of the record’s happier memories with an expressive twist.
Every Time The Sun Comes Up, half-improvised after a few drinks, is an apt closer, a classic pop song dressed as a homage to Bruce Springsteen, complete with a streak of the playful, wry humour that often accompanies Van Etten’s interviews: “People say I'm a one hit wonder, but what happens when I have two?"
‘Are We There’ will get under your skin as only the best records can, prying loose inhibitions and prompting the cathartic release that was Van Etten’s personal intention. It’s a wonderful thing, perhaps even a classic.
Sharon Van Etten Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu June 05 2014 - LONDON KOKO
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