Review by Annie-Rose Fondaw
Photography by Jarred Gastreich
The Bon Iver origin fable of isolated cabins and the frozen forests of Wisconsin has long framed the band’s aura of reflective solitude. While Sunday’s concert at the Pageant had moments of Bon Iver’s iconic hushed intimacy, Vernon and his eight-piece band commanded a broad spectrum of dense, lushly orchestrated sounds. From reverberating lashes of percussion to spiraling harmonies and schmaltzy synthesizer, the performance highlighted Bon Iver’s ability to bring a dizzying variety of textures and tones to their artistic scope—all while remaining rooted in the emotional sincerity that endears them to so many listeners.
Opening with “Perth,” Vernon’s raw falsetto arched over a simple guitar melody, gathering intensity and instruments until finally erupting in a rousing chorus. The pattern held over through much of the set, starting off with sparer arrangements and moving towards kicked-out jams with a cacophony of instruments. A stand-out rendition of “Blood Bank” (on a stage bathed in red lights) brought a flurry of horns and brass, while “Creature Fear” ratcheted the audience up to a fever pitch during Vernon’s guitar licks. Though a divisive track among fans, the live incarnation of “Beth/Rest” more successfully transcended its saccharine-sweet 80’s synthesizer, becoming instead an ethereal swell under Vernon’s lilting voice.
The performance’s softer moments brought equal appreciation from the audience, who sustained a warm relationship with Vernon throughout the show, often singing along to the plaintive refrains. The final song, “Skinny Love” had the audience clapping and singing along with the band, who abandoned their instruments to gather around two microphones. Vernon, standing at the edge of the stage with his guitar, finished the mournful love song with a grateful bow of his head. And even with all the bright stage lights and the writhing audience, it was hard not to feel the stillness and quiet of a cabin up North.
