Bon Iver, the Grammy-winning musical project fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, begins a beautiful new era with the release of ‘SABLE, fABLE’. Out now on Jagjaguwar, the project’s first album in six years is both a hard path of healing and a lush story of love, embodying the clarity, focus, and honesty that comes when your eyes are locked with another’s.
Through the transformation of these twelve songs — ‘SABLE,’‘s darkness giving way to ‘fABLE’‘s radiant light, pain turning to purpose and possibility, stark reflections setting the table for vibrant pop music — there exists a common tale, in which one person becomes two.
From the ashes of ‘SABLE,’‘s fear, atonement and sadness comes the embers of ‘fABLE’‘s overwhelming joy and infatuation (“Everything Is Peaceful Love”), irrepressible desire (“Walk Home”), and the strength it takes to be the best version of yourself (“If Only I Could Wait (feat. Danielle Haim)”). While ‘SABLE,’‘ captures the walls closing in, ‘fABLE’ swings the doors open and rolls the windows down.
But fables are not fairy tales, and sometimes endings needn’t be happy. As the album winds to a close with “There’s A Rhythmn”, the shadow of ‘SABLE,’ rears its head, but rather than erasure, Justin Vernon seeks an alternative, acknowledges the need for patience, and pledges to keep putting in the work. As the future unfolds, what comes next remains a question — a partner, new memories, maybe a family? Regardless, he is ready to find that pace.
Alongside today’s album release, Bon Iver has launched a series of special collaborations and partnerships to bring the salmon-coloured world of ‘SABLE, fABLE’ to life. These collaborations with local partners offer fans a chance to engage with the album’s vibrant themes and visuals in a uniquely tangible way as they immerse themselves in a multi-sensory exploration of ‘SABLE, fABLE’ that deepens their personal connection to the music through art, flavour, and shared experiences. Participating businesses in Southeast Asia include: HATS Bar (Jakarta, Indonesia), Looozer (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), and Naga House (Singapore). Find the full list of partnerships on boniver.org/releaseday.
Produced by Justin Vernon and Jim-E Stack, engineered by Ian Gold and Justin Vernon, mastered by Heba Kadry, and primarily recorded at Vernon’s April Base, ‘SABLE, fABLE’ includes contributions from: Alaina Rose Brown, Alan Good Parker, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Asher Weisberg, Ben Lester, BJ Burton, Blake Morgan, Carter Faith, Chris Messina, Cory Henry, Denise Stoudmire, Dijon, Eli Teplin, Greg Leisz, Jacob Collier, Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes), Joshua Brown, Kacy Hill, Matt McCaughan, Michael Gordon (Mk.gee), Michael Lewis, MonoNeon, Rob Moose, Ryan Olson, Sam Tsang, Sean Carey, Tobias Jesso Jr., Trever Hagen and more, with art direction by Justin Vernon, Ruben Nusz and Miles Johnson. Find the full credits at boniver.org.
