Bon Iver made a significant mark throughout the pandemic, primarily through Justin Vernon’s partnerships with Taylor Swift. Surprisingly, it’s now been over five years since the release of i,i. Today, they debut a new project: the SABLE EP.
The lead track “S P E Y S I D E” hinted at a new direction for Bon Iver, suggesting a return to the ethereal folk sound of their first album, For Emma, Forever Ago. However, that’s only part of the picture. The opening song, “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” though more stripped back, evokes the expansive sound of Bon Iver, Bon Iver, particularly with Greg Leisz’s pedal steel adding depth. Vernon’s lyrics, delivered in his deeper vocal range, reflect introspection: “I get caught looking in the mirror on the regular… I see things behind things behind things.”
Greg Leisz returns in the final piece, “AWARDS SEASON,” where Vernon showcases his robust singing voice. This track feels closer to Bon Iver’s recent works; while it eschews heavy electronic elements, it maintains an emotional resonance akin to lesser-known tracks from 22, A Million, merging it with the feel of For Emma. The closing lines resonate with existential questions: “Why do things gotta change?… Everything we’ve made.”
All three songs will have accompanying music videos by Erinn Springer released tomorrow. In the meantime, you can listen to the EP online. For further insights, check out Vernon’s recent interview in the New Yorker, where he delves into some philosophical reflections, including thoughts on the band name: “It has to be something sacred—it has to renew… A life needs to rest at some point.”
SABLE is now available on Jagjaguwar.
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