Bon Iver released a new single on Sept. 30 titled “S P E Y S I D E” in preparation for their upcoming EP “SABLE,.”
Bon Iver is an indie folk band that was originally formed as a solo project by Justin Vernon in 2006. The band has since grown, consisting of members Sean Carey, Michael Lewis, Matthew McCaughan, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Jenn Wasner and, of course, Vernon.
The track “S P E Y S I D E” is mellow and folky, containing no choirs. It feels more like a poem sung over silence and the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar. This is consistent with Bon Iver’s usual sound.
“S P E Y S I D E” is rather melancholy in both the sound and the lyrics. Vernon seems to be reflecting on where he has messed up in the past.
“I know now that I can’t make good / But how I wish I could,” Vernon sings in the opening lines. With the lyrics “Man, I’m so sorry / I got the best of me” later in the song, Vernon acknowledges that he is aware of his shortcomings and he is sympathetic to whatever hurt he’s caused.
As someone who doesn’t listen to the band very much, I found that the track is rather slow. The vocals are backed by a single acoustic guitar, which is a bit of a downside for me as someone who likes music that has a fun beat.
I like Bon Iver and their soft sound; however, it is a major slowdown compared to the catchy chorus and trendy synths of today’s pop music.
I think this particular track is a little too mellow and uninteresting lyric-wise for me to go back to anytime soon. However, I am still interested to see what their EP “SABLE,” out on Oct. 18 has to offer. If you’re looking to take it slow this fall, definitely give “S P E Y S I D E” a listen.
2/5 stars
jhammer@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @boniver, instagram
