Bon Iver (a deliberate misspelling of the French for "good winter") is the current recording name of Justin Vernon. Having split from his band DeYarmond Edison and presumably a girl named Emma, he retreated to a remote cabin in Wisconsin for 4 snowy months where he wrote and recorded this album. The remoteness and isolation of the recording process is reflected in the feel of the songs. Vernon's voice is generally accompanied by simple guitar parts with occasional drum patterings, creating an overall mood of loss and icy solitude. The vocals are the most arresting thing about the record as the hushed, multi-tracked falsetto is often used as an instrument. The sound of his voice is reminiscent of TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe but it is in no way derivative. As it has very few sharp edges there is a risk that the music could be seen as bland, however, the song structures develop naturally and Vernon has an ability to create memorable hooks from very simple phrases. The album is also short enough to not outstay it's welcome. If you always wished that Bill Callaghan's voice was just a bit higher this might be the album for you.
For Emma, Forever Ago is released in the UK on 4ad, 12th May
Bon Iver is supporting Iron & Wine at the Ritz, 13th May
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