MUSIC | Sharon Van Etten - “Serpents”

Yesterday Sharon Van Etten released her much awaited sophomore album, “Tramp.” And while Tramp is far more prolific than last year’s Epic, it does seem to lack just that - epic music. Sharon Van Etten is many things, but a master lyricist she is not. However, she has a knack for turning simple and repetitive lyrics into extremely layered and beautifully orchestrated stories that follow you around. After giving Tramp a few listens, it seems that perhaps this skill wanes over the course of creating a full LP, as to where her EP was likely just the small collection of songs she could really fill with that je ne sais quoi before going idle and spilling out droning cliches that rest on her magnificent and unique voice.

Sadly, and much akin to Lana del Rey’s new album, Sharon’s first single from Tramp is the highlight of the album. “Serpents” has the relativity and cynicism of Aimee Mann, the grandiose of Florence + the Machine, and the tortured sound of Cat Power. 

Other notable tracks: Give Out | Warsaw