Review
It's truly a gentle homecoming, to hear Bon Iver's voice again on "SABLE, fABLE" after a six-year quiet spell since "I, I." This newest offering, released in the early spring of 2025, feels like two distinct streams flowing into one great river. One side, named "SABLE," delves into the quiet woods of folk sounds, inviting a look inward at shadows and a bit of sorrow. Then, "fABLE" emerges, a sunnier path blossoming with the rhythms of R&B and pop. It's a thoughtful progression from a place of fear and finding atonement to a joyful embrace of love and growth.
Justin Vernon, working hand-in-hand with Jim-E Stack, has truly crafted a remarkable passage through feeling. The album begins with the quiet, shadowy echoes of "SABLE," before slowly, wonderfully, unfolding into the brighter spaces of "fABLE." This second half really shines a light on finding new affection and the steadfastness that love can bring, with tunes like "Everything Is Peaceful Love" and "Walk Home" painting clear pictures of this blossoming. Even as the journey wraps up with "There's A Rhythm," it leaves us not with a firm ending, but with a lingering sense of gentle patience and continued evolution, a quiet conversation between the light and the shade.
The warmth of collaboration is evident here, with friends like Dijon, Flock of Dimes, Danielle Haim, Kacy Hill, Jacob Collier, and Mk.gee lending their gifts to the rich weave of sound. Their presence adds a lovely depth, making the whole experience feel even more open-hearted. It’s a work that feels quite bright, a departure into more open fields where the words Justin Vernon sings feel more directly spoken, clear as a spring day. "SABLE, fABLE" is a beautifully woven story of change and affection, finding a truthful balance between moments of quiet thought and the clear light of optimism. It’s a genuine offering, inviting us to walk through the journey of healing and forming connections. - Willow
