Sharon Van Etten and her band, The Attachment Theory, delivered an unforgettable performance at the historic Collins Barracks as part of the Wider Than Pictures summer concert series. With a lineup that also featured impressive sets from Katy J Pearson and Angie McMahon, the night proved to be a celebration of emotionally charged indie rock, shared under open skies and among over 3,000 enthusiastic fans.
The setting itself added an atmospheric charm. Collins Barracks, a former military site turned cultural venue and museum, offered a unique backdrop that blended history with contemporary creativity. As the sun dipped below the city skyline, Katy J Pearson took the stage to kick off the evening. Her set, filled with ethereal vocals and retro-tinged melodies, provided a warm and inviting start. Following her was Australian singer-songwriter Angie McMahon, whose raw lyricism and rich, expressive voice held the growing crowd’s attention with ease. Her performance felt both intimate and expansive, perfectly setting the tone for what was to come.
By the time Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory stepped into the spotlight, the crowd had swelled, buzzing with anticipation. What followed was a 14-song set that spanned Van Etten’s evolving discography, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with sonic power. The synergy between her and The Attachment Theory was undeniable this wasn’t just a solo artist with a backing band, it was a cohesive musical unit in complete control of its dynamics and emotional arcs.
Standout moments included a powerful rendition of “Idiot Box”, which rippled through the crowd with its dark, brooding energy and industrial undertones. “No One’s Easy to Love”, with its pulsing rhythm and haunting vocals, captivated the audience and demonstrated Van Etten’s gift for turning personal anguish into collective catharsis. Perhaps the most affecting moment came with “Tarifa”, a fan favorite that swelled gently into a crescendo of feeling part love letter, part farewell, wholly gripping.
The sound quality was impressively clear for an outdoor venue, with the mix allowing each instrument and voice to breathe. The lighting design added depth to the performance without overwhelming it, casting moody shadows during more introspective numbers.Between songs, Van Etten offered heartfelt thanks to the crowd, expressing genuine joy at being part of the Wider Than Pictures series and playing to such a responsive Dublin audience.
What stood out most was the emotional sincerity throughout the performance. Van Etten’s voice sometimes soft and pleading, other times fierce and defiant carried the weight of her lyrics in a way that felt deeply personal yet universally resonant. Tracks flowed seamlessly from one to the next, yet each song was distinct, with its own emotional temperature.
The crowd’s energy mirrored the band’s intensity. People swayed, sang along, and stood in reverent silence during quieter moments a sign of true connection between performer and audience. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a shared experience, a moment of musical communion that lingered long after the final note faded.
If you haven’t yet seen Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory live, this concert was proof that you absolutely should. Their performance combined musical precision, raw emotion, and electric atmosphere in a way that’s rare to find. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, Van Etten’s live presence is something to be felt as much as heard intense, cathartic, and undeniably human.
Katy J Pearson:
Angie McMahon:
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Live Forever
Afterlife
Idiot Box
Comeback Kid
I Can’t Imagine (Why You Feel This Way)
Somethin’ Ain’t Right
Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)
Trouble
No One’s Easy to Love
Anything
Every Time the Sun Comes Up
Tarifa
Seventeen
I Want You Here
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic