Bon Iver

Expanding the 'SABLE' EP into the fully fledged 'fABLE', our man from Eau Claire brought in a slew of pals to assist and added a newfound soulful weight to his ever broadening toolbox - this is one romantic tale to lose yourself within.

'SABLE, fABLE' connects Fall 2024’s 'SABLE' EP to a full album. 'SABLE, fABLE' features Dijon, Danielle Haim, Rob Moose, Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes) and others.

Bon Iver’s three-song collection, 'SABLE', was a prologue mired in darkness, a controlled burn clearing the way for new possibilities. 'fABLE' is the book that follows. Where 'SABLE' was a work of solitude, 'fABLE' is an outstretched hand. Radiant, ornate pop music gleams around Vernon’s voice as he focuses on a new and beautiful era.

On every song, his eyes are locked with one specific person. It’s love, which means there’s an intense clarity, focus, and honesty within 'fABLE'. It’s a portrait of a man flooded and overwhelmed by that first meeting (“Everything Is Peaceful Love”). There’s a tableau defined by sex and irrepressible desire (“Walk Home”). This is someone filled with light and purpose seeing an entire future right in front of him: a partner, new memories, maybe a family. There’s something undeniably healing about infatuation. Cleaving to someone else can feel like light pouring in from a door that’s suddenly swung wide.

But there’s a reason 'SABLE' is of a piece with 'fABLE'; the shadow still rears its head in lighter times. Even when you’ve reached a new chapter, you’ll still find yourself back in your own foundational muck. A fable isn’t a fairy tale. There’s good stuff: unbridled joy and trips to Spain. But fables aren’t hinged on happy endings; they’re here to instill a lesson. As the album winds to a close, he acknowledges the need for patience and a commitment to put in the work. There’s a selfless rhythm required when you’re enmeshing yourself with another person. The song—and by extension the entire album —is a pledge. He’s ready to find that pace.