The Racquette

Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: A&E

Bands like Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, and Wolf Parade all feature impassioned vocals and songwriting that, while occasionally lacking control, exhibit a genuine self-assuredness that grounds the song and perfectly complements their driving, heavy instrumentals. With For Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver takes the attitude of these bands, puts it into the context of sparsely acoustic singer-songwriter fare, and sings with slightly more soul/R&B influence.

Bon Iver, led primarily by songwriter Justin Vernon, features a somewhat unexpected combination of elements. The second track's opening vocals are unaccompanied, choral, and sound as if recorded in an open cathedral. Reminiscent of Brian Wilson's introduction to Smile, "Lump Sum" quickly moves from a far-away choir to syncopated rhythm guitar and steady percussion. "The Wolves (Act I and II)" also features an unusual element, especially considering the general indie-folk genre of the album: It begins almost like a spiritual, but after a few minutes, vocals are layered one upon another, and blatant pitch-correction/vocoder starts to become a major factor. This is not an amateur move on Vernon's part; it's intentional, Cher/Imogen Heap-level pitch-correction. It lends a surreal, detached impression that perfectly complements his singing, "what might have been lost?" Throughout, the vocals on For Emma, Forever Ago tend to consist of layered octaves. Vernon's falsetto is impressive, and while somewhat unusual, begins to grow on the listener given some time and patience.

The indie-folk genre tends to rely on understated vocals; despite all the feelings and emotions that flow from their hearts, indie-folk artists tend to be too cool to express themselves in any fashion except literarily. Perhaps this is an attempt to distance oneself from cliché, and there's really nothing wrong with this detached style. Still, Vernon isn't afraid to go all out, putting his heart on his sleeve and his reputation on the line at the same time, and it's refreshing.

According to Bon Iver's label's website, "Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for 'good winter' and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment." For Emma, Forever Ago functions similarly; it alternatively celebrates and reflects upon the past, and it relies upon an overall attitude of consideration. While released independently last fall, the album will be rereleased by Jagjaguwar February 19. For more information on Bon Iver and recordings from the album, see the band's MySpace, myspace.com/boniver, or the band's label's website, jagjaguwar.com/artist.php?name=boniver.

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