Photos & Review | Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory: A Night of Emotion and Reflection at Atlanta's Variety Playhouse

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory at Variety Playhouse Atlanta Ga.

Sharon Van Etten’s return to Atlanta was nothing short of electrifying. On April 24, 2025, the beloved singer-songwriter graced Variety Playhouse with a powerhouse performance, unveiling the next chapter of her musical evolution with her newly formed band, Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory. It was a night full of emotion, reflection, and the kind of raw, intimate energy that will live in our minds and hearts for all time.

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory | Photo by @deadly_sharp_photo

The night kicked off with “Live Forever,” setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable evening. Van Etten’s voice, both haunting and powerful, immediately captivated the crowd. From there, the band dove into “Afterlife” and “Idiot Box,” blending new material with Van Etten’s signature vulnerability. Each song felt like an exploration of self — an unflinching look at love, loss, and the spaces in between.

What stood out most, though, was the seamless transition between Van Etten’s old and new material. “Headspace” brought the crowd to a standstill with its sweeping intensity, while “Somethin’ Ain’t Right” added a dose of urgency that made it clear: this is an artist in her prime, stretching her sound into new territories while staying true to her core.

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory | Photo by @deadly_sharp_photo

Fans were treated to a selection of deeper cuts as well, including a fiery rendition of “No One’s Easy to Love” and the always emotional “Every Time the Sun Comes Up.” The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch as Van Etten played “Comeback Kid,” a track brimming with heartache and resolve.

Mid-set, Van Etten dedicated “Tarifa” to none other than David Lynch, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance. The eerie, dreamlike quality of the song seemed to linger in the room, leaving the audience spellbound. Later, “Seventeen” closed out the main set, with the song’s familiar anthem of youthful reflection hitting harder than ever live.

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory | Photo by @deadly_sharp_photo

For the encore, Van Etten returned alone, offering “Fading Beauty” — a haunting solo moment that proved the power of her songwriting and the intimacy of her live presence. In that brief, quiet moment, the crowd was transported into her world, where every note felt like a secret shared.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Sharon Van Etten is not just an artist; she’s a storyteller, an architect of feeling, and a master of her craft. With The Attachment Theory, she’s found a new voice that’s equally as powerful, and the result is an unforgettable live experience that fans will be talking about long after the tour ends.