Introduction

Few artists have done more for experimental and folk music than Bon Iver. Born out of Justin Vernon’s folk roots and his creative use of modern electronic production elements, Bon Iver has grown into a band that creates listening experiences unlike any other.

“Bon Iver is one of my favorite artists, ” said Cyrus Lariz. “I love his music and the fact that he is sampled by so many hip-hop artists.”

Bon Iver’s newest installment, “SABLE, fABLE,” was released on April 11, 2025, although the album’s roll-out has been ongoing since early 2025. The album is broken up into two separate parts: Disc 1 and Disc 2. Each disc offers a different type of sound.

The Sounds

While most of Bon Iver’s latest album has bordered on experimental electronic music, “SABLE, fABLE’s” Disc 1 balances the auto-tune and vocoders with traditional instruments and vocals. “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS” uses a simple guitar for most of the song, and Vernon’s vocals have light auto-tune to fill the song and give it an almost choir-like atmosphere. “AWARDS SEASON” utilizes simple, natural vocals, as well as traditional strings, and adds some trumpets halfway through the track. “AWARD SEASON” also seems to be the most emotional track, with Vernon reflecting on a love that he always has to see when the “season” comes around.

Disc 2 has more of the electronic elements that modern Bon Iver is most recognized for. The disc’s opening track, “Short Story” distorts Vernon’s vocals to the point where it seems unrecognizable. “Everything is Peaceful Love” has a funky and more upbeat track, with a bubbly percussion beat and an underlying synth track. “Day One” distorts its sample and piano track, and builds up the same choir vocals, this time with multiple vocalists. “There’s a Rhythm” slows down the production, as we near the end of the album. “Au Revoir” is an entirely ambient track, it’s a soft sound to close off the album.

“I think out of the two discs, Disc 2 is my favorite,” said Lariz. ” I prefer more of the electronic beats.”

Conclusion

“SABLE, fABLE” is a very interesting album to say the least. The two discs that make up the album separate the two halves into distinct ideas and styles. Disc 1 being the traditional, heartbreak folk sound, and Disc 2 the electronic and nuanced emotional storytelling. Together, the discs are a representation of Bon Iver’s craft and their history. All in all, it is a great project from Bon Iver, and for those who haven’t yet listened to Bon Iver should consider listening to “SABLE, fABLE” as their introduction to a brilliant band.