“Climb is all we know, when thaw is not below us.” In Justin Vernon’s album Bon Iver, Bon Iver, the feelings of love, loss, and overcoming adversity are recreated. It’s an album filled with emotionally-centered songs, that will leave people wondering where this music has been hiding all these years.

Vernon started his indie-folk band, Bon Iver, back in 2007. After publishing their first album, For Emma, Forever Ago, Vernon decided he wanted to make a follow-up album to it. From 2008-2010, Bon Iver traveled internationally creating all their songs inspired by places they’ve visited. There are 10 songs in total, many titled the names of places, such as “Lisbon, OH,” or “Hinnom, TX.” Through these songs, Bon Iver creates a reminiscent feeling that is present throughout the whole album.

In all the songs, there is a reoccurring theme of isolation and new beginnings. At the end of the song “Wash,” Vernon sings, “All been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning.” Multiple times throughout the album, Vernon mentions how isolated his life is. However, there are various times in the album where he mentions how he’s starting over. In “Beth Rest”, Bon Iver quotes, “I ain’t living in the dark no more, it’s not a promise I’m just calling it.” Conflict ends up being major theme in the songs as well, creating a very emotion-filled album.

The songs in this album make it one of Bon Iver’s best works. Not only do they include many different melodic techniques, there is also a brand new instrument incorporated, called the “messina”. Bon Iver actually created this computerized sound solely for the purpose of the album, making it extremely unique. Aside from the fact that every song is very melodic and flows nicely together, the songs have deeper meanings about life and love. Everything about Bon Iver, Bon Iver is intense and peaceful, all at once.

Bon Iver, Bon Iver, was released on June 17, 2011, and since then has sold over 630,000 copies, and has been nominated for Record of The Year in 2012.

In my opinion, this album is a must-buy. Once again, Vernon’s brilliance has masterfully crafted another album that cannot be ignored. The songs are honest and raw, which is something that’s very rare in today’s music industry. There is not one song that is not necessary to the development of the album. Bon Iver, Bon Iver is not only an album that will change the way you think about music, it will also create a spark for alternative music that you might’ve never experienced before.