Bon Iver's Soulful Odyssey Unfolds with 'SABLE, fABLE'

Apr 17

Bon Iver, led by Justin Vernon, has released their fifth studio album, SABLE, fABLE, through Jagjaguwar. And throughout this 12-track follow-up to the 2024 SABLE, EP, the sonic journey offers midterms a compelling blend of stark introspection and radiant optimism. Recorded primarily at Vernon’s April Base Studios in Wisconsin, the album marks a long-awaited return to Bon Iver’s roots while exploring new, accessible territory for an accomplished discography.

The album splits into two halves: SABLE and fABLE. The SABLE section, which includes the EP’s tracks—“THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” “S P E Y S I D E,” and “AWARDS SEASON”—evokes the raw simplicity of Bon Iver’s 2008 debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. These songs, built around Vernon’s voice and acoustic guitar, delve into solitude and personal reckoning. “S P E Y S I D E” stands out with its quiet, soul-baring intensity, its minimal arrangement highlighting a somber, reflective mood that carries weight.

In contrast, the fABLE half bursts with warmth and hope. Tracks like “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” released as the lead single, radiate with full-bodied arrangements and an uplifting spirit. Co-produced by Vernon and Jim-E Stack, this section features contributions from artists like Danielle Haim, Dijon, and Flock of Dimes, adding depth and texture. “If Only I Could Wait,” sparked by a 2022 snowbound recording session with Haim, weaves soft vocal interplay into a tender, heartfelt ballad. Another key track that’s currently gaining traction, “There’s A Rhythmn,” captures a struggle to move beyond old patterns, its soaring melody blending grounded introspection with a hopeful lift.

The album’s visual aesthetic, awash in salmon tones, mirrors its emotional spectrum: introspective yet vibrant, heavy yet buoyant. Thematically, SABLE, fABLE traces a path from isolation to connection. The SABLE tracks confront past struggles with unflinching honesty, while fABLE celebrates love as a patient, transformative force. “There’s A Rhythmn” encapsulates this arc, its lyrics and melody yearning for emotional renewal. The album feels like a story of growth—not a neat resolution, but a meaningful step toward a new path.

For longtime fans, SABLE, fABLE recalls the intimacy of Bon Iver’s early work while embracing a pop-infused accessibility that feels fresh. For new listeners, it’s an inviting entry into Vernon’s world, balancing raw emotion with moments of joy. As Bon Iver pauses touring, this album stands as a powerful reflection of their evolution—a work that honors their past while reaching for something brighter.