Following the widely anticipated self-titled second album,
Justin Vernon and his expanding medley of band members presented a select
series of dates across the UK. After 16 weeks on the road with the likes of US
country singer, and the current Mrs Vernon, Kathleen Wilson and other equally
sensuous support acts, Bon Iver concluded their journey with a concert at
Bristol’s Colston Hall.
Widely known for presenting symphonic programmes with
resident ensembles such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Colston Hall was
perhaps an unlikely venue for the vulnerable sounds of Bon Iver (If the first
album was anything to go by this is). As it transpired, the space couldn’t have
been more suitable for the 9 piece ensemble that filled it’s stage.
Complete with two drum kits, a range of wind and brass;
including the rarely heard contra-bass saxophone, and an array of mounted
guitars (I counted 12), Bon Iver instantly consumed the hall with the
unmistakable fusion of ridiculously close harmonies, edgy drum riffs and
falsetto vocals.
Something to note, why is it that when you label an event a
“gig” people feel liberated enough to display their emotional response to the
sounds bestowed on them? Yet when you are in the same venue, for the same
experience of getting lost in music but that music is distributed in the form
of a “classical concert” one feels obliged to stifle any response, cough or
stomach gurgle in fear of disturbing other audience members...
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