Bon Iver translates to “good winter,” and having waited since 2009’s Blood Bank EP, music fans are eager welcome Wisconsin’s favorite son back from hibernation. With the June release of the self-titled album Justin Vernon has officially emerged from his cabin and walked directly onto the red carpet. Now an A-lister in the biz, his talent and celebrity have proven Midas-ian. Side projects (e.g. Volcano Choir, GAYNGS) and other band members (Sean Carey) are feeling King Justin’s golden touch and rising in the ranks.
In the new album the lonely, cavernous spaces that were central to the 2008 LP, For Emma, Forever Ago, have been filled with brilliant keyboards, horns, and guitars, electrified and echoing. Moreover, previously unrefined production now contains a luster that’s simple, but striking.
In title the ten tracks span much of the country, from Minnesota, to Michigan (“Michicant”), to Texas, Washington, and Ohio, and even find time to travel abroad for Perth and Calgary, before arriving at the logical end, “Beth/Rest.”
Side Note: I don’t mean this as an insult (I swear), but I cannot listen to “Beth/Rest” without conjuring the suave sounds of Peter Cetera. I’m not certain whether it gives off more of a “Glory of Love” vibe or “Next Time I Fall”, but it definitely makes me want to watch The Karate Kid.
With precisely zero knowledge of the manner and effort involved in Vernon’s creative process I still gather that his compositions are better thought out than 97% of the industry. Perhaps his softly sung harmonies have a way of shaking loose the rigid constructs of music criticism, instead gently nestling in listener’s soft spots. While detailed and ornate instrumentation proves a lush backdrop, the focus is, and has always been, the Vernon’s unmistakable falsetto. Setting aside, Jeremy Enigk (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft), I can’t think of another singer who so regularly makes lofty departures from the middle range without sounding wholly unnatural.
Throughout the album Vernon is flawless, provoking only sympathy and splendor with his howls. Where Emma left a feeling of despondence, Bon Iver delivers empowerment. No longer is he timidly pacing atop the boarded floors of a remote cabin. Rather, he’s decided to take a shower, make a move into town, and reintroduce himself. However, despite all of his steps towards a more civilized sound, he’s dropped enough breadcrumbs to remind us where he came from.
The self-titled sophomore album is a spectacular sequel and come December Mr. Vernon will surely grace every critic’s year end list from here to Wisconsin; a good winter indeed.
Band Website |MySpace | iTunes | Amazon
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TALKING POINTS
On a scale of 1 = low to 10 = high, where does the new album fall?
What is your favorite track on the album?
Have you seen Bon Iver live? If so, how does their sound compare to the albums?
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