It’s the first New Music Friday of February. Scroll down to see a list of exciting new singles, EPs and albums out now. First, here’s a look at our pick for the best new release.
Best of New Music Friday:
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory – Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Sharon Van Etten and her band of usual suspects are back with a new record–but this one has a different approach than their previous work. Longtime listeners might scratch their heads at this new LP and say “who are The Attachment Theory?” Van Etten has frequently written her own songs and then recorded and produced them with musicians Devra Hoff and Jorge Balbi. Now, for the first time, Van Etten has entirely written and collaborated with Hoff and Balbi. Van Etten also commissioned Teeny Lieberson of 2010s New York City band Teen to the group. Together, this collaborative crew is known as The Attachment Theory.
What The Attachment Theory has come up with is a shapeshifting synth rock record with the undertones of Van Etten’s typical sound. “I Can’t Imagine (Why You Feel This Way)” is so well produced that the drum fills can be heard shifting from left to right across the ears of those listening with a good pair of headphones. The synth feels like a late 80s or 90s callback to the likes of Cocteau Twins’ “Pitch The Baby” and Parklife era blur. There’s a set of gang vocals that feel like something Bowie would have done during his renaissance, or Steely Dan on “Babylon Sisters.” Songs like this are found across Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, making for a unique blend of sounds that sounds familiar in style and comfortably Sharon.
The album’s opener “Live Forever” combines the new instrumental sound of The Attachment Theory with Van Etten’s trademark vocal style. It’s got a nice bass line, synths that carry the song from start to finish and powerful drumming. Van Etten’s voice is present all the way through the key-filled breakdown on the track’s bridge.
A number of songs feel like they’d be found on other parts of Van Etten’s discography, including singles “Trouble” and “Afterlife.” This record offers something for fans of the alternative sound of 30 to 40 years ago. It also provides the sound Sharon Van Etten’s become known for. The biggest takeaway: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is fun. It’s an original blend of several great sounds. The Attachment Theory has ushered in a formulaic blend of all its contributors’ backgrounds, making a complete album and one that is enjoyable from beginning to end.
New Music Friday Top Picks:
Drop Nineteens – 1991 [Wharf Cat]
Inhaler – Open Wide [Geffen]
James Brandon Lewis – Apple Cores [Anti-]
Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist – Life Is Beautiful [Empire]
Maruja – “Aon” [Music For Nations]
Rocket – “Take Your Aim” [Transgressive]
Squid – Cowards [Warp]
Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!
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