Bon Iver - Bon Iver

This lovable rugged folk superstar has recently rubbed shoulders with rap phenomenon Kanye West and featured on his critically acclaimed album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'. After 'For Emma, Forever Ago', an ambiguous mind shattering debut effort from Justin Vernon, his music a luxurious muse on the heartbreak from his former relationship, 'Bon Iver' brings richer texture, building upon a musical platform that few musicians have accomplished before. Lead single 'Calgary' sees Justin abandon the trademark guitar and delight us with a dreamy, velvet synth which lulls you into a sleep like state. The comfort that Justin conveys in his music is incomparable to others in the folk genre. He offers an emotional palette to obedient ears so incredibly honest and mind blowing that it's impossible not to become completely infatuated with the record. His falsetto resounds clearer and commands all attention with the instrumental following his every move and not the other way around. 


The echoing guitars on 'Minnesota, WI' bring a jazz element to Bon Iver's predominantly folk style and the song evolves constantly, introducing a frequenting guitar riff and scuzzy drums in the background. The impossible thought crossing every music fan's minds, 'How can Bon Iver top For Emma, Forever Ago?', has been eternally answered. Although 'For Emma...' brought heartwrenching tales of lost love, 'Bon Iver' is pleasantly unexpected with a more uplifting approach to his increasingly popular music. Bon Iver has the ability to make those long awaited tears stuck in your eyes escape and open up your heart but he can also bring you hope that someday, you can use your negative emotions to produce pieces of art just as Justin Vernon has with his music.


9/10
By Aurora Mitchell