Upcoming...Bon Iver: Bon Iver

    Understated, simple, flowing, subtle, heartfelt. All words that might describe the new take on the folk influenced genre Bon Iver presents in his upcoming sophomore release, self-titled, Bon Iver (June 21, 2011 in the U.S.). Justin Vernon is the front man of Bon Iver, hails from Wisconsin, and formed out of the breakup of Justin's former band DeYarmond Edison. At that point, he went into hiding in the cold of a Wisconsin winter, fought off mononucleosis, and created what would be Bon Iver's first release, For Emma, Forever Ago (2008). His current band mates have joined him along the way at various times and now are permanent members of the band. Bon Iver is on the Jagjaguwar label. The cover art for Bon Iver is by American contemporary artists, Gregory Euclide (see about him here).
    Bon Iver apparently leaked early, after being announced in April, when iTunes temporarily had the album available for sale on May 17th. I have my doubts, however, with how prevalent publicity stunts are these days--all ways for bands to raise hype for their upcoming releases. The ten tracks of Bon Iver are ethereal, an ideal catch word for indie productions lately, folksy and busy without being overbearing. There are always rhythms moving; sometimes horns, bari sax, flutes, steel guitar with its twang and slides; pulsating synths; and multiple vocals in chordal harmonies (an interesting note is that Justin Vernon was concerned that in concert this sort of album technique would not be transferable to live performances, so he hired extra people to sing and even gave out lyrics to audience members so they could sing along and create the desired effect). What Bon Iver really makes me think of is James Blake. It is as if the two of them sat down together and had a jam session, went their separate ways and wrote similar albums with patterns that can be traced between the two; except, James Blake wrote an album that is hip hop and dubstep influenced, while Justin Vernon went the folk route. The deep rumbles and vocal clouds that hover almost chant-like, and detailed intricacies that are so subtle; they point to each other's work. Only possible criticisms I have, so far, is the last track "Beth/Rest" is new wave-ish and yet almost elevator music too. Also, I'm not a huge fan of country music and the steel twang goes there at times and I wish it would not (but, that is simply my preference).
    So, listen for yourself. You can for a time hear the album in it's entirety on NPR's First Listen here (EDIT: no longer available), or listen here at the guardian.co.uk. Or, go to Bon Iver's website here and download a free track, "Calgary" when you join their mailing list. Finally, listen to the waltzy track "Michicant" under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks' or here. Enjoy!