On May 1st, Sharon Van Etten and her band, The Attachment Theory took over Boston’s Roadrunner for a night of indie rock glory. As the house music and lights faded and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the lights dimmed, signaling the arrival of Sharon Van Etten and her band, The Attachment Theory. The stage, adorned with a triptych backdrop that hinted at both industrial grit and ethereal beauty, set the perfect scene for the sonic journey that was about to unfold. As the band members took their places, a hush fell over the captivated audience, every eye fixed on the space where Van Etten would soon appear.
The opening notes of “Live Forever” pierced through the darkness, a haunting synth melody that gradually swelled, enveloping the room in its melancholic embrace. When Sharon Van Etten’s voice finally emerged, it was a force of nature – raw, emotive, and instantly captivating. The lyrics, pondering mortality and the desire for eternal existence, resonated deeply, setting a contemplative yet powerful tone for the evening. The band joined in, their instrumentation adding layers of texture and intensity, transforming the song into a cathartic release.
Without missing a beat, the band transitioned into “Afterlife”, the second track from their new self-titled album. The song’s introspective lyrics, questioning what comes after death, were delivered with a poignant vulnerability that tugged at the heartstrings. Van Etten’s vocal performance was mesmerizing, her voice soaring and breaking with palpable emotion. The interplay between the shimmering synths and the driving rhythm section created a sonic landscape that was both ethereal and grounded.
The energy in the room shifted gears with both “Idiot Box” and “Comeback Kid”, a track brimming with resilience and defiant energy. Van Etten’s stage presence became more animated, her movements mirroring the song’s dynamic shifts. The audience responded in kind, with many singing along to the anthemic chorus, their voices adding to the collective fervor. This was soon followed by “Something Ain’t Right”, a song that pulsed with an undercurrent of unease and tension. The band’s performance was tight and focused, each instrument contributing to the song’s building intensity, showcasing their collaborative synergy.
As the set progressed, Van Etten delved deeper into her extensive catalog, offering a mix of new material and beloved classics. Mid-set highlights included a breathtaking rendition of “Anything”, its raw vulnerability laid bare by Van Etten’s impassioned delivery and the band’s sensitive accompaniment. “Hands” followed, transforming the venue into a space of shared intimacy, with the audience swaying and singing along to the song’s heartfelt lyrics about connection and longing.
The initial set began its descent towards the anticipated encore break with a trio of powerful performances. “Tarifa”, with its haunting, dreamlike quality, transported the audience to another realm, its eerie beauty lingering in the air. The familiar chords of “Seventeen” ignited a wave of collective nostalgia, the song’s poignant reflection on youth and the passage of time resonating deeply with the crowd. The set’s initial conclusion came with a fervent performance of “I Want You Here”, its desperate energy leaving the audience yearning for more.
The obligatory encore break was brief, the sustained applause and fervent cheers quickly drawing Van Etten back to the stage. Returning alone with just a keyboard, she launched into a dramatic and stripped-down performance of “I Wish I Knew”. The intimacy of this solo moment was palpable, her voice filled with a raw honesty that commanded complete attention. It was a testament to her songwriting prowess and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level.
The band then rejoined Van Etten for the show’s grand finale, “Fading Beauty”. The song’s meditative pace and repeated keyboard phrases created a hypnotic atmosphere, its lyrics contemplating the ephemeral nature of life and the inherent beauty in its fading. As the final notes resonated and the lights slowly came up, a sense of shared emotion and profound connection lingered in the room. Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory had delivered a performance that was not just a concert, but a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
