Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Bon Iver's Soul


Normally, I am not one to listen to a lot of the new singer-songwriter type of artists. Much of it reminds of me of the same over-played radio friendly Jack Johnsonesque music that is in constant rotation on college radio stations throughout the U.S. However, I do like much of the lo-fi music that has been recorded in the past few years such as Iron and Wine, Sun Kil Moon and even some of Mason Jenning's recordings (yes, I know he is on the same label as Jack Johnson).

Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago," is an album seething with emotion and raw energy, tapped from Justin Vernon's experiences with his former bandmates, family and relationships. Bon Iver, which means "good winter" in loose French tongue, is perhaps a reflection of the winter Vernon spent writing and recording the majority of the material for this album — in a remote cabin in Northern Wisconsin.

Just like the woods he resided in, the album is mysterious, emotional and somewhat haunting. The first track, "Flume," is a simple song, both lyrically and musically, but somehow stokes the fire for the rest of the album. Using steel guitar type echoes, it ebbs and flows throughout. At three minutes and forty seconds, it seems much shorter than it is.

The album's second song, "Lump Sum," starts off as kind of a monkish chant which leads to a palm-muted acoustic riff and several effects. It reminds me of cold winter evenings and heavy breathing.

"Skinny Love" is the album's "hit" and is reminiscent of traditional folk artists. The vocals range from an almost whisper like soprano to a guttural yell, offering listeners a taste of the pain inflicted by a former lover.

"Team" is the album's most upbeat and fastest track. It is also the shortest in length, coming in at just under 2 minutes. The reverb-soaked guitar complimenting the background riffs give the song an ethereal sound.

"For Emma" has a nice mellow swing to it, incorporating more echo-laden stringed instruments, horns and catchy melodies. The background vocals add to the ambient aspect and match Vernon's original melody and the horns that give the track a little spiciness.

Overall, I would rate "For Emma, Forever Ago" high on the list of my current background music favorites. It's an easy listen, and there are no songs that initiate me to skip to the next. It's refreshing to hear a singer-songwriter that is both fresh and familiar.