I initially assumed Bon Iver was very important in this album's development, but then i learned that Vernon came in and contributed just lyrics and vocals. So if anything, this has as much to do with Vernon as Colin Stetson's latest album (a stretch, but you get my point.) I think it's still important for us to consider Bon Iver if only to realize how Vernon sounds even more isolated here, contributing his voice to post-rock-esque tracks that he didn't himself write. Just one voice, and it's adding to the album's atmosphere without attempting to coax it in a particular direction.

Oh, and review pending

Album Rating: 4.0

Interesting. Goes to show I should do more research first before I completely go off on a false assumption. But I look forward to your review, Omaha!

It's a natural assumption though, especially considering Vernon controls most of his music-- as it goes in the empire business of indie, haha

Thanks man, it's coming together. Having a few issues with the meat of it, but I think I have the beginning and end arranged by now.

Album Rating: 4.0

Yea, and the fact that this sounds so much like his self-titled stylistically, I just assumed he was a major contributor to the actual song writing. I'm going to have to re-listen to this now knowing that all he is doing is adding vocals and lyrics. Should be quite a different listening experience.

Album Rating: 4.0

idk... i think he was more involved than just vocals and lyrics, have you watched that Making Of video? seems like this album was a much more collaborative effort than Unmap. and some of the acoustic work sounds so much like Justin..

I do agree that this was probably made in a collaborative manner-- I simply meant that Vernon focused on his vocals, I stead
of arranging these songs all by himself

Album Rating: 4.0

ya, agreed man. and he really does a great job on the vocals. the vocal melodies on songs like Byegone and Alaskans are just gorgeous.. bumped my rating.

heard an interview with vernon on the radio yesterday and he basically said he did SFA with the music and just relished gettin into all the stuff he could do with vox while not havin to worry about playin guitar or this n that

still haven't jammed fuck

Oh wow I need this

It's actually pretty annoying that every review I see of this album talks more about Vernon's career than the actual music.

Album Rating: 4.0

sounds like Omaha might fulfill your wish.

Album Rating: 3.5

it'll prolly be featured too.

i mean, yes

my roommate just rec'd this to me as bon iver with owen type guitar. just started listening, better be greatest thing ever.

Album Rating: 4.0

I love the album art for this

Listened through three times now and this is amazing. Where are the 5s at? Top 5 of the year for me for sure.

riff in comrade totally sounds like a verse in one of my band's songs.

Your band must be pretty good. This is definitely above a 4 for me, but how much I'm not sure yet

Album Rating: 3.5

miles ahead of unmap

Love the artwork so I guess i'll check this.