Using a rusty guitar, a falsetto yowl and as much heartbreak as he could shove into 37 minutes, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon created For Emma, Forever Ago, one of 2008’s most critically acclaimed records. With the release of Blood Bank, Vernon brings the total duration of his recorded output to date to a lengthy 53 minutes. Although this EP is hardly expansive, it does show signs that last year’s record may not have been a fluke. It may even suggest that the band has grown musically — out of the four songs, only “Beach Baby” sounds like a For Emma B-side.
As the EP’s wonderfully offhand and morose opening lines suggest, (“Well I met you at the blood bank/we were looking at the bags”) the title track, “Blood Bank,” showcases Vernon’s songwriting ability. Since he’s not singing in falsetto — a rare occurrence — you can actually understand what he’s saying. Unfortunately, this drop to the male register has an unwelcome, strong similarity to Chris Martin’s croon.
The sad piano line on “Babys” and slide guitar on “Beach Baby” may point to more dreariness in the future. The final track, “Woods,” is undeniably fresh, but it is unlikely that Vernon would like the comparisons to Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak to which the auto-tuned a capella track lends itself. Keep trying new things, Bon Iver, but maybe lay off of modern technology and winter weather for a while; you might even find something happy to write about.
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Release Date: January 20 Label: Jagjaguwar Sounds Like: Coldplay with balls, Kanye without any Sounds Best When: You've slept alone for five years 99-Cent Budget Choice: “Blood Bank”
