Everything We Know About Bon Iver’s ‘SABLE,’

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As a seasoned gamer of the indie music scene, I can confidently say that Bon Iver’s upcoming EP, SABLE, has me more excited than a level 90 player facing off against the final boss. The tantalizing snippets and cryptic hints about this project have been like quest items scattered across my musical map, each one bringing me closer to uncovering the secrets of Justin Vernon’s latest creative endeavor.

When Bon Iver so much as alludes to having new music in the works, listeners go crazy.

In September, Justin Vernon posted his first solo music piece in four years, excluding the re-release of Bon Iver’s 10th Anniversary in 2022. A brief 10-second clip ignited interest from a wide range of listeners, bringing together hip-hop enthusiasts, folk music fans, and country music aficionados in the comment section.

Through a variety of collaborations spanning artists like Taylor Swift and Travis Scott, Bon Iver’s musical versatility stretches far and wide, with his unique, enigmatic music deeply resonating within our shared cultural consciousness. Difficult to pin down and challenging to neatly categorize, Bon Iver consistently maintains the mystique of his artistic expression, and this upcoming stage in his sonic journey is no different.

A few days after it had been mentioned, that snippet turned out to be the standalone track “S P E Y S I D E”. This marked Bon Iver’s first studio release since the occasional singles “PDLIF” and “AUATC”, which were released in 2020.

September 20 saw not only the release of “S P E Y S I D E,” but also the announcement by Vernon of Bon Iver’s first EP in four years: “SABLE” (note the comma in the title). With the anticipated project’s launch date drawing ever closer, less than two weeks away, we’ve gathered all available information about “SABLE” to keep you informed.

Titled after its meaning of “almost black,” SABLE is set to comprise three songs and an 11-second opening track. Notably, it’s Bon Iver’s first studio release since i,i, which was released in 2019. Prior to i,i, came the album 22, A Million from 2016, which signified a significant transformation in Bon Iver’s music style, moving towards electronic and synth-driven sounds, departing from the folk influences of his earlier works.

Instead of SABLE, signifies a “restart and reintroduction” for Bon Iver, focusing on the fundamental elements that formed the project initially, as stated in a press release. The production is handled by Vernon and Jim-E Stack, with a predominant “vocal and guitar-focused” composition guiding the trio of songs.

On Bon Iver’s website, the album description indicates that although Greg Leisz plays pedal steel, Rob Moose handles the fiddle, Michael Lewis takes care of the saxophone, and Trever Hagen plays trumpet, the overall sound of this record is primarily shaped by Vernon’s voice and guitar. This suggests a significant shift in sound compared to their last album, i,i, which could be a hint at a revisit to the style that characterized their first three projects: For Emma, Forever Ago (2008), Blood Bank (2009) and Bon Iver (2011).

In the album’s summary, it’s stated that “[Vernon] poured out his inner turmoil” through the songs, which were penned at his Wisconsin residence named April Base during the years 2020-2023. The album, SABLE, offers a retrospective glimpse into one of Vernon’s toughest life phases, marking the COVID-19 pandemic era. During this period, he grappled with complex emotions about the music industry and his career, questioning whether to carry on as an artist.

Back in 2020, I crafted the first track for our album, titled “Things Behind Things Behind Things.” It was a pioneer among the three compositions we’ve produced so far. In 2021, our song “S P E Y S I D E” made its initial appearance as the only pre-release single during Bon Iver’s first post-pandemic concerts. We further hinted at this track during our recent tour in 2023. As of now, “Awards Season” remains a mystery, waiting to make its grand entrance.

From my perspective as a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Bon Iver’s album SABLE isn’t exactly mapped out in a straightforward guide handed down by publicists. Instead, it’s more like an immersive adventure game where the path is left for me to discover.

Time alone will reveal how the folk imprint interprets the sounds of solitude, so remember to check back when SABLE is released everywhere on Friday, October 18.

SABLE, Tracklist

1. …
2. THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS
3. S P E Y S I D E
4. AWARDS SEASON

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2024-10-09 23:56