Bon Iver has gifted us with an utterly cosy winter surprise through the release of his fourth album i,i.
Originally intended for release August 30, all of i,i, except for the introductory track, Yi, has just arrived early.
A big fan of numerical symbolism, Bon Iver released the unheard eight tracks of i’i early on the 8th of August, the 08/08, with one every hour over 8 hours.
Bon Iver had listening parties all over the world for i’i last Wednesday. Turns out the rest of the world didn’t have to wait long. Justin Vernon had released four songs from the album throughout this year, and it is expected that Yi will be available with the formal release at midnight tonight off Jajaguwar.
Bon Iver’s four albums now complete a full seasonal cycle of Winter, Spring, Summer and now Autumn and it has certainly been a diverse and intricate 12-year journey.
i’i beautifully connects the previous musically diverse and unique albums together, especially through the final track RABi.
Check out the album below:
With Justin Vernon completing his seasonal album cycle, there is a somewhat bittersweet finish to i,i as there is no indication of any future Bon Iver endeavours. From the sweeping yet frosty majesty of 20o8’s For Emma, Forever Ago, to the resplendent 2011 self titled. Vernon has been on a long and magical journey and if this is to be the end than we can only be grateful for the art he has made.
Thankfully Vernon somehwat reassures in RABi asserting, ‘Well, it’s all fine and we’re all fine all anyway.’
