Sharon Van Etten! (again?)

Yes, again.  Of course, again.

See?

Okay, I will admit that I am something of an SVE groupie (by the mere fact I call her SVE, and have seen her in concert 3 times in the last 4 months, and own her latest album, Epic, on CD and vinyl—as well as her first LP, Because I was in Love.)  

But, you see, I just had to go this time, for reasons outside my own fandom.  First, it was at the Bowery Ballroom—both the largest venue she’d headlined in this city, and something of a homecoming concert (her parents and extended family—from Jersey!—were there, after all.)  And secondly, my roommate/uncle Tim had never seen her in concert.  There you go.  And so, of course we found ourselves sharing beers at the basement bar way too early—because that’s exactly what you’re supposed to be doing on a Saturday night in the city.  But enough of this needless justification, on to the concert.
 
The night began with an act plagued by technical difficulties and too-beautiful guitar playing for a male singer/songwriter-type artist.  His name will be withheld lest he search for reviews of himself, find this post, and be bitterly stung by this all-too-accurate description of that evening’s performance, and his style in general.  (I know I would.)  But since SVE had invited him, she joined him onstage for a song to salvage his set  (undermined most-cruelly when his guitar amp failed mid-song—just as he finally got rocking!) 

Then, came The War on Drugs, a favorite of SVE’s who joined the bill at her behest (I like to think she wields that kind of power, but who really knows.)  They brought more rock than the first band, but, as Tim would point out, they channeled fading classic rockers, with little originality.  Well, they didn’t sound too bad, and had some pretty good energy overall (as well a drummer whom the entire audience thought was a roadie.)  But as eleven o’clock approached, they thankfully yielded the stage for the artist we’d all come to see (hear?)

Though apparently nervous, Sharon Van Etten began by belting out “A Crime,” her usual opening song—one that immediately brings her and the audience into the moment.  Her arrangements are simple but solid as her voice—a beautiful instrument on its own.  And to provided fullness and rhythm to them, she sang the rest of the set supported by her regular vocal, bass guitar, and percussion accompanists, as well as a pianist for the first time.  And of course, all this music serves very well to compliment her honest, bittersweet lyrics.  With guest appearances from friends in the indie music scene, shout-outs to her parents (and her boisterous cousin in the front row), multiple encores, much nervous banter, and a general sense of appreciation/reflection from an earnest singer who’s come a long way from open-mic nights in Tennessee dive bars—it was a memorable concert, and evening overall. 

Here’s a sample and more coverage, but it really is best to see her perform live, if possible: