As always with Van Etten, the EP is chock full of lyrics which speak of emotions in a straight, unashamed way. Like late-night, life-affirming conversations with loved ones, Van Etten’s writing manages to cut out all the junk, the false statements and vain declarations and grey lies which constitute the peculiar charade of Real Life. What results is heartfelt, brave and benevolent, not exactly an answer but a reassuring hand to hold while you’re working on the question. As she sings on the title track:

“When dreams grew black
I didn’t want to see the light
Cross through hell in snow
Dreams were gone within yourself
Taught me to know what it’s like

Don’t shout it, stay
I don’t want to let you down
Plead your cause
I don’t want to let you down”

You can stream the first two songs right now:

I Don’t Want To Let You Down will be released on the 9th June via Jagjaguwar. You can pre-order it now.

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