Indie-folk band Bon Iver released his first music in five years last Friday in a sentimental, poetic 12-minute, four-song extended play titled “SABLE,.”
Bon Iver is the alias of Justin Vernon and was initially formed as a solo-project following the breakup with both his band “DeYarmond Edison” and his girlfriend, according to NY Times . He gained recognition after a successful release of his first major bout of music, “For Emma, Forever Ago.”
Developing over almost twenty years, Vernon’s fame prompted a heavy swell of emotions and mental battles which inevitably led the musician to consider ceasing his development of music, according to Bon Iver .
Vernon developed physical symptoms from severe anxiety and constant pressure, according to the Bon Iver website . At the end of his rope he considered possibly even being done with music, but inevitably decided to continue after finding time to unpack years of built-up darkness after thinking about the process of healing during the pandemic.
This personal journey over the past many years is unpacked in “SABLE,” which starts with a 13-second electronic-synth harmony composed of just a singular note. Despite being so simple, the harmony sends off waves of emotion, creating a bittersweet euphony for the ear and foreshadowing the mood of the rest of the EP.
“THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS” details the layered strain of anxiety which had worn and torn Vernon over the years .
Layers of guitar strings accompany the warmth of Vernon’s signature glowing voice as the lyrics read, “I get caught looking, in the mirror on the regular…what I see there resembles some competitor.”
The raw, real nature of the song finds a way into the heartstrings of listeners, while simultaneously uncovering the reality of Vernons past struggles. “I see things behind things behind things, And there are rings within rings within rings,” the song reads.
These lyrics are emotive but still broad enough to be interpretable by each individual. I feel that this quality is extremely significant and beneficial in the enjoyment and overall composure of the song, as it enables each individual to resonate with the song.
“S P E Y S I D E” is the title for Bon Iver’s next song, and was originally released on Sept. 20.
Speyside is defined as “the area surrounding the River Spey in northeast Scotland ; famous for whisky distilleries ,” according to Collins dictionary .
A known lover of the Speyside, Vernon’s inspiration for the title was influenced by his personal experience with the area, according to an article from Volume One .
Unpacking the heavy baggage of wishing things had gone differently, the lyrics of the song signal main themes of regret and understanding.
“I know now that I can’t make good, How I wish I could, Go back and put, Me where you stood,” the song reads.
My first time listening to this song was on a chilly late-night walk back from the library. The melodies and lyrics of the song allowed me to take a moment and decompress my emotions, which as a busy college student balancing schoolwork, reporting, work and training for a road race, are constantly ignored and pushed aside.
Feeling my feelings is something Bon Iver has always allowed me to do, since I first discovered the music two years ago. Vernon’s final song, “AWARDS SEASON” makes no exceptions when it comes to feelings.
Through its lyrics, the song sings, “Oh, but maybe things can change, What can wax can wane, Things can be remade.” The themes spoken provide a sense of hope and change.
With very little background noise playing alongside the lyrics of the song, a much needed attention is focused on the comfort of Vernon’s voice and the meaning of the words closing out the EP with a sense of mellow lingering, that leaves you thinking.
“SABLE,” is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple music. To learn more about Bon Iver as an artist, visit the Bon Iver website .