Sharon Van Etten
Remind Me Tomorrow
[Jagjaguwar]
On the cover of Sharon Van Etten’s fifth album, Remind Me Tomorrow, a scattering of colours – red, purple, blue, yellow – create a scene of two children surrounded by objects that will, undoubtedly, make up the tapestry of their respective childhood memories. Strewn on the carpeted floor, amongst that chaotic landscape, is a picture of the musician.
Addressing the past is a key component to Remind Me Tomorrow’s lyrical themes. Whether Van Etten is reflecting on past relationships (No One’s Easy To Love), recounting the universal feeling of being perceived in a certain way and age by family members (Comeback Kid), or retracing the first steps taken towards total independence (Seventeen). Memory is resuscitated, throughout.
Remind Me Tomorrow’s captivating palette includes a kaleidoscope of tones – fuzzed bass lines, iridescent synth melodies, and densely tempered percussion. Together, these elements make for Van Etten’s most impactful record. Different to her previous records, the New Jersey native teamed-up with producer John Congleton who added a caustic glaze on the instrumentation. His contribution is most evident on Hands and No One’s Easy To Love, both heralding Congleton’s hand on St Vincent’s last two studio albums.
With each listen, a different layer reveals itself to the audience. Like the passing of seasons and years, Remind Me Tomorrow’s forty-one minutes flashes by in an instant. As the final chords ring out, you’re compelled to relive it, instantly.
Words – Zara Hedderman
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