Sharon Van Etten - Tramp CD

Sharon Van Etten is one of the most interesting artists to have emerged out of the East Coast indie-rock scene with the albums "Because I Was In Love" and "Epic" doing much to raise her profile with listeners. Bands like The National and The Antlers have also proved integral to introducing her to a wider audience, either through covers of her work or collaborative efforts.

Her third studio album "Tramp" (produced by Aaron Dessner) holds the distinction of being her first release on the Jagjaguwar label. It is a recording which shows Van Etten at the top of her game in regards to her ability to move and provoke her listeners, something which tracks "Joke or a Lie" and "All I Can" plainly illustrate. However, more than this – and as any fan of Van Etten will know there is always more than first expected – the record hosts songs like "Ask" and "Serpent" which show how she can rock with the best of them. "Tramp" is definitely an album that will get Van Etten's fans arguing about which of their favourite releases deserves to be called the best. (Adam Bibby)