Photo source: Megan Nixon on Unsplash.
‘January ain’t the whole world’
On the 11th of April, Bon Iver released their fifth studio album SABLE, fABLE. Beginning with the EP SABLE (initially released in 2024) Justin Vernon revisits some of the more well-trodden paths of his discography, with minimalistic guitar driven songs that touch on themes of vulnerability, isolation and anxiety. The track “Short Story” is a brilliant transition into fABLE, a brighter more hopeful set of songs which incorporate the stylistic elements of his previous albums i,i and 22, A Million. Together they form an album, split into two chapters that tell a story about how love can take us from the darkest of places into the light.
Whilst working with his usual collaborators (Michael Lewis and James Stack to name a few) Justin Vernon also invites various new voices and musicians to accompany him on the album. Dijon and Flock of Dimes unite to bring us beautiful heart wrenching harmonies on “Day One”.
Danielle Haim of ‘Haim’ also brings a strong female vocal performance to the track “If Only I Could Wait”. Aside from vocal features, guitar virtuoso Mk. gee lends his sonic sensibilities and songwriting talent to the track “From”, alongside prolific song writer Jacob Collier. From the bass heavy ballad “Walk Home” to the soothing spiritual of “There’s a Rhythmn” SABLE, fABLE delivers the hopeful sounds of Spring without losing sight of the lessons learned in the Winter.
In the first chorus of “Everything is Peaceful Love” Vernon sings
‘And damn if I’m not climbing up a tree right
And everything is peaceful love and right in me
And I know that we may go and change someday
I couldn’t rightly say
That’s for parting days’
To be back here once again
Listening to this album, and this song in particular, has drawn me into a contemplative mood. As the end of my degree approaches, I have begun to reflect on the last 4 years of my life, the experiences I have had, the friends I have made and the lessons I have learnt.
Watching the video for “Everything is Peaceful Love” shot and directed by John Wilson inspired me to look through photos and videos of this short but significant period in my life and compile my own version of that music video. These lyrics remind me that despite life’s transience, the ever-changing nature of ourselves and our relationships with others, the anxiety of the unknown future ahead and the mistakes we carry with us from our past, there is beauty in being present.
Track list:
1. …
2. THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS
3. S P E Y S I D E
4. AWARDS SEASON
5. Short story
6. Everything is Peaceful Love (my personal favourite)
7. Walk Home
8. Day One (Ft. Dijon & Flock of Dimes)
9. From
10. I’ll Be There
11. If Only I Could Wait (Ft. Danielle Haim)
12. There’s A Rhythmn
13. Au Revoir
Edited by Freya Harrod.
