Unveiling the Mystery
In a world where secrets are rare, Justin Vernon likes to keep things interesting. Bon Iver, his band, has just released a new album called Sable, which is their first in half a decade. It’s not common for big names, except maybe Beyoncé, to wait so long between albums.
Unlike many artists who cram their albums full of songs, Sable is different. This EP offers only three tracks, lasting about 15 minutes. While others like Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish have moved towards shorter albums, Vernon gives us this tiny collection. It’s strange, but maybe that’s what makes it special.
Bon Iver’s music has always been a bit puzzling, both in words and sounds. The three tracks on Sable are described by his team as showing his struggles and growth. In the first video, "Speyside," we see Vernon lying on a bed with curtains fluttering around him. It’s one of the rare times we can actually see his face.
Fans love when artists stay true to themselves.
In the other two videos from Sable, Vernon returns to being elusive. In "Things Behind Things Behind Things," he plays his guitar in a shadowy place. Meanwhile, "Awards Season" shows more of the mystery, with dreamy scenes and fleeting glimpses of Vernon in a dim room or on a screen.
Editor’s Choices
Back in August, Vernon made an appearance at a campaign event for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Wisconsin. He played some old tunes like “Rally ‘Round the Flag” alongside his own music. As he explained, “You’re playing these Bon Iver songs that aren’t exactly ‘kick your feet up, dance and get excited!’ But when we played ‘Rally ’Round the Flag,’ it felt like we’d settled in, and that was the purpose of the day — to get that music out in the air for those people at that moment.”
Later, he spent some time with Harris and Walz at a friend’s food shop. He spoke about the uncertain times when Biden had dropped out and how that fear turned into hope. He assured them, “We will be anywhere,” signaling his support.
