Review Sun Oct 18 2009

Sharon Van Etten at The Double Door 10/17/09

By Kirstie Shanley

It takes a strong kind of woman to be able to pull off opening for TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone without a backing band. Sharon Van Etten is definitely that person. At one point, she even apologized for the fact that it was just her owning the stage she was on but there was no need to say sorry. In fact, her set this time was edgier than both times she's previously played Chicago at the Empty Bottle and it proved difficult to be a passive listener throughout the length of it.

It was somewhat unusual for her to play a couple of songs that aren't on her stellar official full length release (2009's) Because I Was in Love. Opening up her 30 minute long set with "Give Out" and closing with "Joke or a Lie" was an interesting choice and a contrast to her playing previous live sets that mainly focused on this album. In addition, she covered Blaze Foley's "Ooh Love" towards the end of her set explaining that the song wasn't hers but that she really loved it. "For You" "I Fold," and "Consolation Prize" were highlights from her officially released full length album.

In contrast to her more serious tone during the songs, Van Etten comes off as warm and genuinely happy to see so many people adoring her up front. It's not uncommon to see her even smile at audience members when she isn't singing. Yet, while the songs take shape, the tone changes into a subtly dramatic one. Her lyrics feel both personal and sensitive without any sort of pretense to them. Likewise, the way she sings them is always in a heartfelt manner that makes you aware of every little sound, even her breathing between notes.

It might be easy to simply describe Van Etten as a folk singer or a female singer/songwriter but that denies something special and enchanting about her. It's best to experience the music for yourself and discover the wonder in it. If you're searching for something honest and comforting at the same time, you'll no doubt soon fall in love with Van Etten.