Bon Iver Steps out of the Woods on 'SABLE, fABLE'

Bon Iver is back with what seems to be a smile on his face. For SABLE, fABLE – the first Bon Iver album in almost six years – Justin Vernon seeks to reject not only sadness but the notion that Bon Iver can only make music rooted in sadness. Only further elevated with contributions from longtime collaborators including Jim-E Stack, Dijon and Mk.gee, the salmon-hued SABLE, fABLE finds heavy inspiration in Vernon’s Wisconsin roots, though the widely anticipated project ultimately sees the Midwestern musician stepping out of the woods and into the light.

The first three songs span the SABLE, component, mirroring the exact format of the October 2024 EP (without introductory track “…”) A melancholy introduction to the two-part project, the triage of “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” “S P E Y S I D E” and “AWARDS SEASON” act as a striped-back prologue, providing the emotional and sonic groundwork needed to understand fABLE.

“Short Story” fuses SABLE, and fABLE, with its ethereal combination of synths, strings and Vernon’s fine-tuned falsetto (with additional too-easily-hidden harmonies from Kacy Hill) ushering in the second part of the project. Lead single “Everything Is Peaceful Love” just might be one the happiest songs Vernon’s ever put out, a hopeful anthem that tees up “Walk Home,” a sensual, rhythmic offering that comes punctuated by glitchy vocals and consistent percussion.

Possibly the most anticipated cut of the project is the seventh: “Day One” with Dijon and Flock of Dimes. Marking the first official collaboration between former tour-mates Dijon and Bon Iver, the church organ-carried “Day One” is a captivating soulful delivery from the trio.

“From” is where Mk.gee shines, instantly recognizable on the first chords of the also highly anticipated eighth song which, like its successor “I’ll Be There,” is somewhat evocative of something lifted from 22, A Million. Vernon and Danielle Haim have an alluring chemistry on the “If Only I Could Wait,” leading up to Vernon’s favorite song on the album “There’s A Rythmn” before the instrumental “Au Revoir” closes it out.

1. THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS
2. S P E Y S I D E
3. AWARDS SEASON
4. Short Story
5. Everything Is Peaceful Love
6. Walk Home
7. Day One feat. Dijon, Flock of Dimes
8. From
9. I’ll Be There
10. If Only I Could Wait feat. Danielle Haim
11. There’s A Rhythmn
12. Au Revoir

SABLE, fABLE finally arrives after a more forward-facing rollout than typical for Vernon – who has also been open about how this very well could be his last project under the Bon Iver moniker. The musician sat down (separately) with Jimmy Fallon, Lil Yachty and Todd Snyder to discuss the album, as well as rolling out with over 20 collaborations with local and global businesses alike in commemoration of the album.

Vernon also set up a 24/7 trail cam in the Wisconsin wilderness as part of the album’s rollout.

If this does end up being the final Bon Iver project, Vernon is definitely stepping away on a high note. Stream SABLE, fABLE – out everywhere now.