By Abigail Holliday
Staff Writer
Bon Iver dropped their fifth album on April 11, their first in six years, titled “SABLE, fABLE.”
This album is a continuation of a three-song EP released on Oct. 18, 2024, “SABLE.” Justin Vernon, main writer, performer and producer of Bon Iver, created “SABLE” as a way to release his beautifully sorrowful emotions before the joyous and upbeat half that is “SABLE, fABLE.”
“SABLE” consists of three songs, “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” “S P E Y S I D E” and “AWARDS SEASON.”
This whole album was written over a few years. “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS” was written in 2020 during a time when Vernon says he was unsure what his future would look like as an artist. The confused emotions of the song are portrayed mainly through the strumming of guitar and his lyrics, “I can't go through the motions, l can't go through the motions / How am I supposed to do this now?“
He finishes off the EP with “S P E Y S I D E” and “AWARDS SEASON,” two vulnerable songs filled to the brim with passion — the first with guilt and the latter with love and heartbreak, singing, “But I’m a sable / And, honey, us the fable.”
A sable can be referred to as black clothing worn in mourning and a fable is a short, fictional story.
“SABLE, fABLE” added nine new songs to the original EP, including “Short Story,” “Everything is Peaceful Love,” “Day One” and “Au Revoir.” “fABLE” is a complete contrast to “SABLE.” It represents a new, happier era for Vernon.
“Short Story” opens up the second half of the album with a heavenly, vibrant energy that seamlessly transitions into the hopeful song that is “Everything is Peaceful Love.” This song represents new beginnings and reaching new heights: “And I’m right at home / And damn if I’m not climbin’ up a tree right now / And everything is peaceful love, and right in me.”
“Day One” is embedded with piano and beautiful background vocals, featuring Dijon and Flock of Dimes. This song is my personal favorite and is the embodiment of hope and nostalgia.
Finishing off the album is “Au Revoir,” a beautiful instrumental that invokes the feeling of transcendence and love. This isn’t the end of Bon Iver, just a goodbye for now.
