Listen to Tramp, the new album by Sharon Van Etten (performing Feb. 10th at Johnny Brenda’s)

From NPR Music:

Even when she’s conveying disappointment, hurt or longing, Van Etten sounds more assertive and complex these days, aided by the ever-knottier contributions of guest players from The National, Wye Oak, Beirut and The Walkmen. The feathery coos of “Much More Than That” have given way to a tensely argumentative and conflicted sneer in “Serpents,” the remarkable first single from Tramp, out Feb. 7. When she sings, “I had a thought that you would take me seriously,” her words are smeared with accusation instead of apologies. She says it herself in the song’s chorus: “Everyone changes in time.” By the time she gets to “All I Can” a few songs later, even her most defensive pronouncements — “I do all I can / We all make mistakes” — ring out with stormy grandiosity that sounds downright triumphant.

You can read the full write-up and listen to the album here. XPN Welcomes Sharon Van Etten and Shearwater to Johnny Brenda’s at 9:15 p.m. Friday, February 10th; tickets to the 21+ show are SOLD OUT.