Depressed by the break up of his band DeYarmond Edison, Justin Vernon decided to isolate himself for a few months in a cabin in the Canadian forests. He self-released the recordings he made there, chopping through the wood. He called his project Bon Iver, a corruption of the French 'bon hiver', which means good winter. The picture slowly but surely started on a triumphal march through the weblogs
… and music magazines. The praise was remarkably widely shared. From alternative Pitchfork Media to established Mojo, everyone ran away with For Emma, Forever Ago. It is therefore a very beautiful album, with almost dripping loneliness and melancholy. The basic arrangements (mostly just vocals, guitar, percussion and some subtle electronics) are still layered due to the many overdubs. Vernon's emotional head voice in the 'one-man choir' in particular determines the overall sound. The pastoral atmosphere has an almost comforting effect. (MS)more
