Sharon Van Etten Enchants Collins Barracks with Gothic Flair

Sharon Van Etten delivered a captivating performance at Collins Barracks on March 7, 2025, showcasing a gothic twist on her signature confessional pop. The concert, part of her tour with the band Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory, highlighted her evolution as an artist while resonating with a resurgence of gothic themes in popular culture.

This summer has become a notable time for gothic aesthetics, spurred by various cultural influences. The Netflix series Wednesday has introduced younger audiences to darker styles, while music icons like Robert Smith of The Cure have made surprise appearances, such as during Olivia Rodrigo’s set at Glastonbury. Van Etten’s performance aligns with this trend, marking an ideal moment for her to explore themes of darkness and introspection.

The show at Collins Barracks, an 18th-century structure that evokes a sense of history, provided a striking backdrop for Van Etten’s artistry. As the sun set, the venue filled with dry ice, enveloping the audience in a chilling atmosphere that complemented her emotional depth.

Van Etten has established herself as a significant figure in contemporary music since her debut album in 2009. Her fanbase includes prominent artists such as The National and Fiona Apple, as well as acclaimed filmmaker Brit Marling, who featured her in the series The OA. The late David Lynch was also an admirer, arranging for Van Etten to perform in his series Twin Peaks: The Return. During the concert, she honored Lynch by dedicating the ballad Tarifa to his memory.

Diving into her set, Van Etten opened with the haunting Live Forever, setting the tone with its synth-laden melancholy. She transitioned into the pulsating sounds of Afterlife, drawing on influences reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. This blend of genres showcased her ability to weave her personal narrative through varied musical landscapes, reflecting both vulnerability and strength.

As she engaged the audience, Van Etten shared a personal moment, revealing her parents had flown in from New Jersey to surprise her. This intimate connection added depth to her performance as she transformed Every Time the Sun Comes Up into a new-wave homage, emphasizing guitar-driven melodies over electronic beats.

The night culminated with an encore of Give Out, a track from her breakthrough album Tramp, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National. The starkness of this song resonated deeply with the crowd, connecting her early work with the darker themes present in her latest project, The Attachment Theory.

As the evening concluded, it became clear that Van Etten’s exploration of gothic elements in her music reflects a broader cultural shift. Her ability to embrace both solitude and community within her art has solidified her status as a resonant voice in today’s music scene. The enthusiastic cheers from the audience confirmed that she is not alone in this journey, marking a successful chapter in her artistic evolution.