With a strong, seasoned new band, the acclaimed New Jersey singer-songwriter takes a new direction, from her more recent country and folk output, into an expansive sheen of synth, indie, rock and a hint of goth, and themes of emancipation, letting go, and relationships. Opener Live Forever asks “Who wants to live forever? It doesn’t matter,” beginning with quiet synths, it expands into a magnificent, soaring euphoria. Afterlife is another standout, a with a quieter, but powerful melody, a gentle thrumming bass by Devra Hoff, who at times has a bit of of Peter Hook’s sound, while with rippling synth lines, Van Etten opines with an uplifting, although also dark theme: “I ask myself to be someone else? Will you see me in the afterlife? / Will you tell me what you think it's like / Come and tell me it'll be alright?” Van Etten’s voice is beautiful and ethereal. Idiot Box is a catchy indie number with a heavy hint of Springsteen. Fading Beauty has a barely discernible, quiet beginning, before Van Etten’s voice intimate voice uncoils like dark smoke, oblique and yet personal. Somethin' Ain’t Right feels moody and yet danceable, and again very much enhanced by synth sequencing by keyboardist/vocalist Teeny Lieberson, clearly a huge influence on this album, backed by sympathetic, strong, sensitive drumming of Jorge Balbi. A tight unit, with Van Etten’s distinctive powerful, dynamic voice at the helm, ending with the simmering, smoky I Want You, it’s a combination that’s potent. Out on Jagjaguwar.
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