AdvertiseDistributionIssuesAboutContactEvents
Close
Best of Erie 2021
News & Politics
Events
Music
Arts & Culture
Opinion
Food & Drink
Issues Archive
Web Only
Events Calendar
Advertise
More
Business
Community
Environment
Erie at Large
Features
Film
From the Editors
Jen Sorensen Cartoons
Just Toyin' Witcha
Music Reviews
Sports
Theater
Distribution Locations
About Us
Contact Us
Shop
Issue Archives
Internship Opportunities
Write for Us
Submit an Op-Ed
Share:
MusicMusic Reviews

Bon Iver // 22, A Million

  22, A Million shares little in common with Bon Iver's previous two efforts. 

by Nick Warren
View ProfileTwitterInstagramRSS Feed
October 12, 2016 at 10:45 AM

Bon Iver

22, A Million

JagJaguwar 

4.5/5 stars

At first, the sound might surprise you. This is a far, far cry from For Emma, Forever Ago. In the wake of 22, A Million, 2011's doubly eponymous Bon Iver, Bon Iver serves as a beautiful, Grammy-winning bridge between sounds. At first glance, despite having a comma in its title, this new album shares little in common with Bon Iver's previous two efforts. That, of course, is purely superficial. Bon Iver is Justin Vernon, his voice, his lyrics, and his vision. Vernon's prior collaborations with Kanye West on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus suddenly become more significant. The production similarity between this and West's work are perplexingly abundant. Right from the first notes, the results are exquisite. "22 (OVER S∞∞N)" instantly feels generation-defining, in all of its M83-esque glory. Synthesized tones sculpt the sound into poignant pleas. The album is far from reserved, letting loose epic, blasting sections in "33 'GOD,'" and "666 t," among others (cover artist Eric Timothy Carlson helped to create the symbol-heavy album titles). Tracks like "715 - CR∑∑KS" see Vernon shaping his poetic falsetto with autotune harmonies and modern R&B production. – Nick Warren

22a millionjagjaguwarjustin vernonsynthesizedbon iver

Featured Events

Today Tomorrow This Weekend

Bird Walk

Outdoors & Recreation
May. 18th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Erie SeaWolves vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Sports
May. 18th, 6 PM