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Live review: Bon Iver
It’s been a while since Justin Vernon released his breakthrough album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” under the moniker Bon Iver. Vernon’s portrayal of his self-imposed isolation over a Wisconsin winter turned out to be very appealing, and since then he’s released an EP, “Bloodbank,” as well as a side project, Volcano Choir, which he began recording a few years back with fellow Wisconsinites Collections of Colonies of Bees.
The crowd at his soggy Saturday afternoon set was a testament to Vernon’s popularity. Vernon now tours with a four-piece band, a wise move that has allowed the “The For Emma” material to come to life in a more organic way. Feedback and pounding drums punctuated opener “Creature Fear.” “Flume” and “Bloodbank” both benefited from fuller rock arrangements as well, with Vernon strumming away on an electric guitar.
The band was predictably able to draw the biggest response with two of his best songs, “Skinny Love” and “For Emma,” material that, even in an unfocused festival setting, is able to get a lot of mileage from its emotional heft.
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