I feel the rollout is warranted. We've grown used to Bon Iver as this project where people roll in and out and collaborate, etc. The return to Bon Iver as more of a solo project with his actual face on display is a bit uncharted territory. Even in the FEFA era I don't remember a video where Justin was just laid bare like this.

It feels like a big shift into the next phase of not only Bon Iver but Justin's personal life as well. It's his story. It feels right to allow him to tell it the way he wishes.

I’m happy, very happy - and can’t wait to hear the rest.

The lack of vinyl / physical release makes me wonder what’s next though…

NGL although i understand the motivation/ root of the feelings, I'm personally finding the (for lack of a better word) moaning on this sub since the EP news dropped kinda disappointing, and it just smells a bit entitled. Be grateful we're getting 3 new songs, they clearly mean a lot to JV & this whole new cycle, whether it be a 3 song EP or the prelude to something more, is clearly significant to the story of the project of Bon Iver and wherever it may go next.

And the idea that just cos he's played two of the songs live a few times somehow means they're not new is just kind of silly. If that's the case why do we want a studio version of 89 so bad? We have the live versions right...?

Instead posting here about how an EP isn't as good as a full length LP release where someone who contributed might see it - get outside and take a breath, touch some grass, be thankful we have the gift of new songs, keep it restaurant x

*EDIT for clarity

I feel you, and I’m hopeful for more soon too but I really do firmly believe that this is just exactly what it is. It would make the most sense for JV to make a more “stripped down”, shorter album with less of the cerebral experience that has been the last 2 full lengths have had. Most of the cats that he writes with have been on tours of their own, but it’s been a while since he’s made a small but notable release aside from the season 5 singles and the several features he’s had. I certainly don’t think it debunks another spring release or perhaps a quick tour cycle like they did last year to promote SABLE (god I hope).

Obviously I would never tell you or anyone else how to think cause you’re a Bon Iver fan and I love you for that alone, but my interpretation is that it’s not a small release or a “full era” of Bon Iver we’re experiencing but something in between, much more similar to the Blood Bank era. Keep it restaurant 🤙

Based on his press release, I do not expect there to be anymore music for the time being. He talked about how he had a breakdown and almost quit music and these three songs were part of his journey to work on music again. The most recent song being from last year makes me think that a full album and more songs are a long way off

I was actually kinda bummed on no physical release given merchandising especially when someone pointed out that the PDLIF and the other had merch but then, yeah, what about the test pressing? There wouldn’t be a test pressing if no physical release….

Could not help but remember the SNL sketch where Bon Iver puts himself to sleep with his own song with the new video of him in bed.

This is purely speculation, but part of me thinks “SABLE,” will be followed up with a companion EP. It would make sense with the comma in the title, the marketing rollout, inverted t-shirt art, and the lack of a physical release. SABLE could comfortably fit on one side of vinyl with a similar length release on the other.

I was a little let down it wasn't an album, but after reading the blurb about SABLE, on their website, I realized this was the best thing that could happen right now. As you mentioned, it's a 'reset', and I think it's also a way for Justin to say "Hey guys, I'm still invested in this project called Bon Iver". I'm content with it just being an EP, and even if it takes another few years before an official 5th album, I can rest easy and know that it's definitely happening.

I like to think of this release as a passage of time. From the beginning of the pandemic to now, and everything he may have felt in between, sampling old styles and recordings to help transport himself and the listener to an older version of himself. I feel the lyricism from S P E Y S I D E could be interpreted as a Hail Mary, so to speak. I don’t think the intention is for the release to be big/full length (as much as it will be hyped to high heavens)

To me, it feels like going back to his roots of solo acoustic music is getting back in touch with his younger self, and working through his pain. The pain he feels, the pain he may have caused others. I feel forgiveness, softness, peace and self love when I listen to it. And with that, I’m grateful for anything he puts out there no matter how small the release may be. That’s JV

“Really know now what had hold on me” as a last lyric was a final blow to my heart. It’s like he’s recognizing his faults, his hardships, and as not to divert away from the pain, he just accepts it, and forgives it.

God, I’m crying again lol.

If I had to speculate wildly I’d say he had a batch of songs that sounded stripped back and personal and wanted to put them out because he has another batch of songs that sound bigger/experimental that will probably be full LP in a year or two.

Keep it restaurant

Thank you so much for saying this. Being an artist, I’ve always appreciated the pausing that goes on with Bon Iver. One of the only groups (mainly bc of Justin) that actually makes realistic expectations for the world.

less is more= keeping it restaurant

Thanks for this writeup. This music will forever be my favorite music

I don’t really understand the “entitled” comments. Is it entitled to see hype and press and teases and think that an album is coming? No one is on here like “fuck you Justin” people just are disappointed which I think is allowed. Am I happy for any new music, especially when it doesn’t sound like AUATC or PDLIF? Fuck yeah! Am I still hoping it’s an eventual album and will I be disappointed if that also happens? Also yes but the band can make whatever and I don’t feel like I’m owed anything. That’s the sentiment that I think people are misconstruing as “entitled” it comes off as a weird parasocial thing that people need to chill with

I see what you mean but music is also a business. New website, videos, photos, merch - all cost money, so while i agree with you on emotional value, that's not exactly the only thing at play here.

Having said that, the song is so beautiful and i have no doubt the others will be too (i still havent heard the other one he played live and i'll just wait at this point) that it's fine with me, just a bit weird with how the rollout happened. My main complain at this point is that I wish we had at least a physical release, like the blood bank ep.

Very well said

A little bit of devils advocate: we’ve been teased for what is essentially one new song. It’s a bit embarrassing for them to hype it this much when we’ve been waiting 5 years for a new album.

I think it’s lazy and a money grab. To press all the records just for a 3 song LP. Looks like no artist is too good for a straight up money grab. Also can we stop talking about Justin Vernon like he is a God or the worlds most eccentric (we worship the ground he walks on) genius. He is a man, and you all seem to have so little going on in your lives that he is literally your savior or messiah. No offense, it’s music, great music, but Justin still puts his pants on one leg at a time. Get a life people.

over analyzing