Bon Iver: Blood Bank
Label: Jagjaguwar
Few records in recent memory have swept us away as thoroughly as Bon Iver’s full-length debut from one year ago, For Emma, Forever Ago. By now, we all know the story of Justin Vernon and his forced winter seclusion and his painful, cathartic record. Not an easy album to follow up, for sure, but Vernon did it just right, releasing this modest (in terms of size) but no less compelling EP. The vintage Bon Iver sound is there, with its warm, rustic intimacy, but the sound is fleshed out a bit, with more instrumentation and variety. Blood Bank is a four-song EP, and the songs are all excellent. Once again Vernon’s gorgeous, pure voice leads the way, aching in its vulnerability and naked emotionalism. Fans of Emma will not be disappointed. (Ralph)
