Blood Bank

Bon Iver (a.k.a. Justin Vernon) made a big, unexpected splash in 2008 with *From Emma, Forever Ago*, a gorgeous backwoods acoustic gem with real emotional power. The first three songs on *Blood Bank* would have fit on *From Emma*, which is a compliment, yet this is much more than a brief set of outtakes (in fact, they were recorded at a different time). There are certainly similarities to his debut, but only in that it features many of the same elements that made the first release so impressive — moving melodies, gentle guitar, and that stunning, and usually multi-tracked, falsetto. “Woods” is the odd man out here, and it’s a risk that works. On it, he uses a digital effect on his voice and then proceeds to add layer after layer of synthesized vocal harmonies until it builds into something cinematic and strangely beautiful. It may not become everyone’s favorite cut, but it’s a worthy and refreshing experiment that’s different from anything else he’s done thus far. *Blood Bank* fully stands on its own merits, and it’s to his credit that it sounds like a distinct piece of work rather than extension of another one.

The four song 'Blood Bank' collection continues down the path forged by 2008's critically acclaimed 'For Emma, Forever Ago'. From the title track's remembrance of the winter warmth we seek, to the summer love tribute of b-side gem "Babys," Bon Iver's snow-blanketed harmonies live across the seasons. Both expansive and intimate, these four songs explore the darker and lighter natures of the seasons and what they signify, and offer a dynamic glimpse into the natural energy and refined craftsmanship that characterize Justin Vernon's music.