03 

Album: 22, A Million

Artist: Bon Iver

Release: September 30

Bon Iver paints a world of idiosyncrasies and dichotomies imbued by religion and love in 22, A Million. Solidified with eccentric typography and neologisms and at a first appearance his creation may seem confusing and unapproachable but we continue to listen, we realise that Vernon isn’t restricting us- nor is he even inviting us- we simply choose reside in his world and as we listen to the introspective thoughts that dominated Vernon when he battled depression and anxiety. “33 God” in the official lyric video starts off with an epigraph of Psalm 22 and ends with a voice submerged with bass pleading the scripture: “Why are you so far from saving me?” Vernon looks back in retrospect at his hurts with biblical and figurative imagery that is scattered across his lyrics.715 – CRΣΣKS starts with Vernon’s falsetto damaged with ennui and hurt on the realisation of a decaying love. With the harsh use of autotune as well, his voice oscillates between consoling hums and sharp screams. 00000, A Million contains a sombre piano as the sole accompaniment to Vernon’s vocals. The album orbits around the hurts of heartbreak, isolation and loneliness and when those themes are rudimentary and often used as cookie-cutter concepts in the music world. Vernon doesn’t look for answers in this album, he doesn’t even admire the sorrow in his lyrics and in return; he created a refugee for those who struggle with the same thoughts that almost took over his life and career.

By Ethan Herlock Laird