Sharon Van Etten

Shyly shuffling Van Etten treated her fans well downstairs at Komedia, performing a long set, taking requests and offering the chance to meet her at the merch table after the gig. This kind of approachability and charm is a big part of her appeal, along with her strong songwriting and impressive voice: an interesting mix of soaring range, country crooning, and grungey elongated vowels. Her slowburning songs worked well live, the band rumbling along to powerful crescendos and the anthems from her latest album ‘Tramp’ were highlights, such as ‘Ask’, ‘Leonard’ and ‘Serpents’. Enjoyable, endearing, and perfect for fans of indie rock.

Komedia, 21 May 2012
Rating:
Joe Fuller