Justin Vernon AKA Bon Iver’s debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, was a surprise critical smash that appeared oncmany best-of lists at the end of 2008 (it’s right at the top of ours!) The Blood Bank EP followed For Emma… whichcPitchfork hailed as "stunning".
In the intervening years Vernon has collaborated with artists as diverse as Kanye West, The National and St. Vincent among others, as well as taken on additional recording projects in GAYNGS and Volcano Choir.
Bon Iver now releases his second full length self titled album Bon Iver.
Featuring 10 new songs penned by Vernon, the album expands the group's sonic palette beyond the rustic acoustics of the debut into a lush landscape of silky electric guitars, beautifully intricate keys and subtle horn and string sections while keeping the ghost choirs and densely layered vocals intact that Bon Iver has become so known for.
Painstakingly crafted over three years, the album was recorded and mixed at April Base Studios, a former veterinarian's clinic in Fall Creek, WI, converted into a recording studio by Vernon and his brother.
Bon Iver regulars Sean Carey, Mike Noyce and Matt McCaughan contributed vocals, drums and production; Rob Moose (Antony and the Johnsons, The National) helped with arranging and strings; and Jim Schoenecker and Tom Wincek (who have previously collaborated with Vernon under the Volcano Choir moniker) provided processing. The album also features the pedal steel of Greg Leisz (Lucinda Williams, Bill Frisell) and a horn section including Colin Stetson (Tom Waits, Arcade Fire), Mike Lewis (Andrew Bird, Happy Apple), and C.J. Camerieri (Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens)
