By Patrick Wall
By now, the story of Justin Vernon has become the stuff of indie legend: after his band and relationship dissolved in the winter of 2006, Vernon retreated to a cabin in the Wisconsin wilderness. When he emerged in February of 2007, he had created For Emma, Forever Ago, a collection of quietly powerful songs. It's disarming emotional poignancy earned it praise from fans and critics, many calling it one of the best albums of the decade.
After taking time off to work with various side projects (including Kanye West.) Vernon returns to the Bon Iver mantle with his second, eponymous full-length album.
From the outset, it's clear Bon Iver is not For Emma Part Two. Bon Iver's debut was, in many respects, the little album that could-a lo-fi masterpiece that created an emotional gut punch on every track. Bon Iver does not have this same aesthetic, and because of this, I fear many fans will be disappointed.
What Vernon has created, however, is a deeper, more sonically lush and adventurous offering. One of the album's best songs is "Holocene," a ballad that finds Vernon in the familiar emotionally wounded territory. This time around, though, Vernon employs extras like slide guitar and xylophone. But instead of cluttering up the presentation, they add to the song in a way that feels natural.
Meanwhile, songs like "Beth/Rest," the album's closer, will likely receive mixed reports from fans. Its decidedly 70's soft rock feeling seems more appropriate for a Steve Winwood album. But it's that sort of adventurous spirit that makes the album work-Vernon takes risks, and, for the most part, they work beautifully.
Getting past the realization that Bon Iver is not its predecessor is difficult. The album is dense and at times feels like an uncomfortably significant departure. But after several listens, the expectations fade away, leaving an album that may just be Bon Iver's best work to date. And that's saying something.
Rating: Iconic
