Bon Iver Releases Beautifully Autumnal New EP ‘SABLE,’ (Review)
As the spooky season approaches, images of leaves, cabins, and dark evenings are certainly in the air. But, for some autumn lovers, it is Bon Iver’s new EP. This includes 4 new tracks, and will certainly epitomise this time of year.
Justin Vernon’s use of vocal processing effects is the most recognisable feature of the art project’s sound. Their use of electronics in collaboration with acoustic instrumentation ultimately pushes the boundaries of the folk/indie genre.
It has been 17 years since the first album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago‘, written and produced in Vernon’s cabin in Wisconsin. Now, Bon Iver has returned to their folky routes. Since ‘i,i‘ (released 6 years ago), the art project has featured on numerous collaborations. These collaborators include Taylor Swift, Jim-E Stack (SABLE,‘s co-producer), The National, and most recently, Charli xcx.
The listening experiences of ‘SABLE,‘, is a definite hark back to Vernon’s earlier vocal sound and guitar playing. Having released three new and intimate black and white YouTube videos with this EP, the project leaves space for atmosphere and to let the original sound of the project come back to life.
‘…’
A 12-second introductory track introduces the project. It uses a singular sine-tone drone for 8 seconds before changing pitch and shutting off. The group uses an interesting technique of slyly introducing a quiet drum pattern that smoothly flows and matches the rhythm of the next track on the EP. Without isolating this record, the use of drums is not obvious. The reason for this may be to relate previous uses of electronics in proceeding releases to the more folk-like vocal sound of the following tune. It makes for a clever technique for creating cohesion.
‘THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS’
Having had a whole introductory track, ‘THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS‘ enters immediately with Vernon’s vocals. It’s a song based on ideas of change and noticing certain aspects of life in more detail than before. The consequences of such ideas are highlighted by the project’s use of lyrical repetition, layered vocals, and a strum pattern high up in the guitar’s range. Together, they create a musically cyclical world.
‘S P E Y S I D E’
First played during a set in Scotland in 2022, ‘S P E Y S I D E’ was released before the EP on the 18th of October 2024. It immediately captured the hearts of long-standing fans with its purely acoustic instrumentation. Furthermore, it is harking back to tracks from the first album such as ‘Flume‘. This is a reflective piece that not only conjures up sentiments of lost love, but self-reflection and transports the listener back. The use of a folky viola melodic line takes you to that isolated Wisconsin cabin and its first debut in Scotland.
‘AWARDS SEASON’
To bring the project to a holistic close, ‘AWARDS SEASON’ uses the same drone-like instrumentation of ‘…’ using both electronics and keyboard. Stripped-back vocals with a lack of vocal processing allow this track to have an intimacy that closes the EP with a multitude of emotions. Beautifully sonorous layered saxophone solos and poignant lyrics leave the listener with a sense of great reflection on themselves and the group’s future.
With this EP, Bon Iver has encompassed all of their recognisably bewitching sounds and given the fans something to love. The question for future work is whether the art project will explore new sounds, genres, and music-making practices or, if Bon Iver will continue to hold a firm grip on the indie-electronica style their fans have grown to adore.
Rating: 8/10
Bon Iver is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more album reviews here and stream ‘SABLE,’ below.
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