Bon Iver - Bon Iver LP Vinyl Record
American indie folk band Bon Iver's self-titled sophomore album "Bon Iver” displays founder Justin Vernon returning to former haunts with a new spirit. The reprises are there – solitude, quietude, hope and desperation compressed – but always a rhythm arises, a pulse vivified by gratitude and grace notes. The winter, the legend, has faded to just that, and this is the new momentary present. The icicles have dropped, rising up again as grass.
Featuring 10 new songs penned by Vernon, the album' expands the group's sonic palette beyond the rustic acoustics of the debut into a lush landscape of silky electric guitars, beautifully intricate keys, and subtle horn and string sections while keeping the ghost choirs and densely layered vocals intact that Bon Iver has become so known for. It's a rare thing for an album to have such a strong sense of what it wants to be. "Bon Iver" is about flow, from one scene and arrangement and song and memory and word into the next - each distinct but connected - all leading to the conclusion.
Pressed on Classic Black Vinyl.
Staff Review:
What began as the breathtaking solo project of Justin Vernon, Bon Iver has since grown into a larger band of immense musical talent. The brilliant and introspective 2007 debt, "For Emma, Forever Ago” introduced audiences to the beautiful, falsetto voice and impressive multi-musicianship of the heartbroken, wood cabin resident. However, in recruiting other artists, Vernons vision of Bon Iver has grown immensely on the 2011 self-titled sophomore, “Bon Iver”, reaches new heights of musicality.
Much like its predecessor, “Bon Iver” was recorded in the woods - secluded and surrounded by nature, something that flourishes in the music. However, thanks to the success of his debut, Bon Iver was able to construct a new setting, a suitable studio space - allowing for a more refined and expansive approach to the music. While remaining true to his debut in intimacy and beauty, “Bon Iver” is noticeably less focused on the romance and heartbreak of "For Emma, Forever Ago.” Vernon’s lyrics are carefully curated, poetic, sentimental and mysterious. The sounds of their sophomore album are more musically sophisticated. There is more attention to detail in the songs, allowing the music to flourish as a more refined project.
Impressively, Vernon is able to invite and collaborate with other musicians on “Bon Iver” without jeopardising the original concept. The additional members adopt the notions of Bon Iver’s debut seamlessly, expressing Vernon's concept with their own flair. There are no "odd fits” here and each musician contributes to a wider scope with a more elaborate sound. This expansion of sonic territory works to “Bon Iver’s” favour.
Discussing “Bon Iver” without comparing it to its predecessor is difficult as it's largely a display of growth. The musical and personal growth of Vernon takes his sound to exciting new realms and the newfound members take away any restrictions imposed by working solo. The natural themes of “Bon Iver” help cement its timelessness, truly an album for the ages.
8.5/10 - Handsome Will
TRACKLISTING
Side A:
- Perth
- Minnesota, WI
- Holocene
- Towers
- Michicant
Side B:
- Hinnom, TX
- Wash.
- Calgary
- Lisbon, OH
- Beth/Rest
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