Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory at Cork Opera House (Photos)

"Sonic Trust Fall" Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory Give Masterclass in Dynamic Performance at the Cork Opera House.
Van Etten’s voice, which can be delicate and crystalline on record, became a raw, powerful force in the live setting of the Cork Opera House. Piercing through the layers of synths, bass, and drums, the band—featuring Devra Hoff on bass, Jorge Balbi on drums, and Teeny Lieberson on keys are a cohesive and formidable unit. New material, like the propulsive "Somethin' Ain't Right" or the dancy, fluid "Idiot Box," takes on a life of its own, with each member contributing to a sound that is both meticulously crafted and joyfully improvised. The chemistry is palpable, you can see the trust and camaraderie in their on-stage interactions.

The show is a complete sensory experience. Coloured strobes and flashing lights with intensive backlighting rain across the stage, ebbing and flowing to the beat of the music. They act to single out each member of the band. Then, during the more intense moments, they unify the group to a singular theme. The stage is adorned with abstract art, plus smoke and haze add a further layer of visual storytelling. The production is sharp, but it never overshadows the raw emotion at the heart of the performance.

It's not just about the new songs. Van Etten and the band expertly reinterprets fan favorites, breathing new life into older tracks. The crowd's energy shifts with each song, from the hushed, entranced reverence for slower, more introspective numbers to the cathartic, rhythmic clapping for hits like "Every Time the Sun Comes Up." Van Etten's stage presence is a perfect blend of vulnerability and rock-star swagger. One minute, she is sharing a personal anecdote, creating a deep sense of intimacy. Next, she’s dancing with her bandmates or delivering a heart-wrenching "cry-yell". The performance is a testament to an artist in her prime, fearlessly exploring new sonic territories while staying true to the core of her art: unflinching honesty, emotional depth, and a profound connection to her audience.

Australian singer-songwriter Angie McMahon provided the perfect opening to a night of powerful female vocal prowess. First impressions are the initial opinions formed when encountering someone and McMahon stamps her talent very quickly. She made an instant rapport with the audience sharing personal anecdotes and stories with a dry sense of humour. But it's the Australian's voice that is the element of her performance ranging tender to fierce and at times thunder and others a soft sliver of sunlight. she has remarkable scope and emotional delivery. Her ability to transition seamlessly from quiet, vulnerable moments to full-throated, powerful crescendos gives her music an emotional kick.