“Open your mind, release your dreams” – a memorable quote from a memorable evening. It is fair to say that Bon Iver are
not the most well-known band currently recording music, but trust me when I say that both live and on audio tracks, they do not disappoint. On their current tour promoting their second album, titled Bon Iver, the Americans made a single night stop in Dublin, performing at the Grand Canal Theatre. For music fanatics, this was the most highly anticipated concert of the year. Tickets were scarce, but I managed to procure a handful for some friends and I. Countless people scattered outside looking for spare tickets; whilst inside there was a vast array of checked shirts and bearded gentlemen.
I myself was shocked when the band appeared on stage following the superb support act of Kathleen Edwards. Nine individuals playing countless instruments from the conventional rock to jazz and classical varieties; you name it, they probably played it. It was in this instance that I realised just how intense this concert would be. They played songs both old and new, with somewhat mystical lighting and even more powerful vocal effects (created by the vast quantity of people singing). The songs from the new album were the main reason behind all of these instruments. Two drum kits create a vibe so great for songs like Perth and Minnesota, WI, the first two tracks on the masterpiece of an album.
So powerful was the concert that the standing ovation after the usual fake exit was a solid five minutes of applause. The rest of the album follows the same pattern of overwhelming musical brilliance and lyrical genius. Back at the time of the sale of the tickets they made one song in particular free to download, Calgary, off of the new album. A song about a mythical land, as stated by Justin Vernon, the front man, Calgary gives listeners a fair idea of how the rest of the album would sound. It is not a pop sound, so do not ever expect that this would be a chart topping sensation. Bon Iver are not about topping charts or making money, they are about sharing music and sharing the experiences of music with their listeners. One thing was wrong at the concert prior to the applause, but we, the general audience, knew that this would be remedied in the encore. Their most popular song and one I would highly recommend one should listen to, Skinny Love, was the closing song of the concert (off their first album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’). This song, if you like it, will have you hooked.
Bon Iver playing Blood Bank - Grand Canal Theatre 20-10-‘11
So what more can I say? The concert spoke for itself; it was absolutely fantastic, but I’m a fan so I would say that. The album, Bon Iver, is something that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The unique style of the band makes their music much more about appreciating the intricacies and detail of the songs, both vocally and instrumentally. It will not be one for the shower singers, but rather one that music lovers will sit around listening to, mellow and relaxed. For its alternative style it may not be fully appreciated as the musically great album that it is, and so for an unbiased marking I could not give it five stars (as much as I would love to). However, it is still a very good album and a recommendation from yours truly. At four and a half stars, this is one I feel that people cannot afford to at least give a chance.
– Conor C
The Scribbler 