Album Review: SABLE, fABLE

Bon Iver tributes his first, in what could be his last.

It’s been six years since Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver gave us a full album. While his previous was an obvious shift to dirty synths and electronica, SABLE, fABLE is a poignant return to his ethereal folk hallmark. For many fans, it is a much-awaited journey back to his roots. But that’s not to say the album is just about familiarity.

While available on Spotify, it also comes in not one, but two CDs, hence the album name. SABLE reflects his signature sound, emanating introspective solitude via lonesome guitars. The Guardian described it as the singer’s “return briefly to the sorrowful man-in-a-cabin vibes of his breakthrough album, For Emma, Forever Ago.” But as if to prove a point, it isn’t all nostalgia. fABLE on the flipside, or in this case, Disc 2, proves that one of indie folk’s GOATs still has musical tricks up his sleeve and masterfully blends genres few would expect, namely R&B and gospel. How this “stalwart of indie music” (Rolling Stone) from white americana came to find alchemy with black inner city vibes is another testament of his quiet genius.

The first track, simply titled “…” is like a 12-second synthpad portal that transports listeners back to the early 2000s, when indie folk’s revolutionary resurrection was all the quiet rage. Right after, Vernon immediately displays his vulnerability and writing depth. Things behind things behind things, already with over 19 million plays at time of writing, is a subdued introspection presented with exquisite plucking that accompany his soulful voice. What’s noticeable is that it doesn’t quite reach that hallmark falsetto, as if leaving something to be desired. Thankfully the wait isn’t long. SPEYSIDE, the next track presents his long-awaited lilting highs right away, presenting a story of regrets with palpable emotion.

We’re then already down to the last track of SABLE. AWARD SEASON closes the loop asif he’s fought his inner demons, and finds hope again bridging us to the next act. (Spoiler alert) Musically, the song gets an unexpected lift of saxophone that enters straight out of left-field, a 20-sec solo so uncharacteristic of the log-cabin vibe, yet so apt for a soft but hopeful ending that goes “But you know what will stay? Everything we’ve made.” It feels like this set-up for fABLE is lost with Spotify’s seamlessness. The pause of getting up and changing CDs is almost necessary for a worthy transition. NPR goes as far to suggest pausing the playlist for an effective pivot.

If SABLE showcases lyrical depth and quintessential indie folk, fABLE showcases his evolutionary prowess. Track one, A Short Story combines his signature voice with an unfamiliar churchy organ, setting the tone for the surprises ahead. Akin to a soul emerging from the shadows, Everything is Peaceful Love lifts the listener to a place of hope with an eclectic mix of electronica and R&B.

Halfway into the album, Vernon cleverly collaborates with Dijon and Flock of Dimes in Day One, adding authenticity in both gospel and folktronica, in what could be the album’s piece de resistance. The Guardian so aptly calls it his “glitchy soul track”.

Is the album a piece of perfection with nothing to gripe about? Close, but not entirely. While track 5, From, is not entirely a gripe, perhaps the intention for positivity is dialled up so far it crosses over to happy country pop. Although another creative surprise, one can argue that it’s a musical regression. Listened alone, it could be panned with an inaccurate conclusion that Bon Iver’s conformed and gone mainstream; that alone is hard to hear and swallow.

But the genius continues right after with funky guitar riffs on I’ll Be There. Here Danielle Haim adds her clear, mellow vocals for a soothing shift as the album draws to an end. There’s A Rhythm is the track that leaves us guessing if there will ever be another Bon Iver album with lyrics that go: 

I’ve had one home that I’ve known and maybe it’s the time to go,

I could leave behind the snow, for a land of palm and gold…

A final track entitled Au Revoir certainly doesn’t help with the bittersweetness of it all. Another lonely instrumental that conjures up imagery of road trips in America’s north country, it begs the question: is this a comforting return to his roots, or sad trip goodbye?

Whatever it may be, this album is a slow burn, with an eventual satisfaction well worth the wait. Many Reddit reviewers didn’t rave on their first listen either. But like any album worth its salt, the more you listen, the better it gets. Clear arcs, unapologetic emotion, and human rawness provide comfort on platforms where soulless AI sound bytes invade us more and more. Easily one of his best, Bon Iver provides more than music. His is a testament to the emotive magic that can only come by being human.