Bon Iver – Blood Bank – review

Corporate line: This four-song collection continues down the path forged by 2008’s critically acclaimed “For Emma, Forever Ago.” Bon Iver’s snow-blanketed harmonies live across the seasons. As much as “Emma” is about the cold, “Blood Bank” is about the warmth that gets you through it. Both expansive and intimate, these songs explore the darker and lighter natures of the seasons and what they signify, and offer a glimpse into the natural energy and refined craftsmanship that characterize Justin Vernon’s music.

The songs:
“Blood Bank” – A pretty song that doesn’t really blow past the already lofty Vernon expectations. If anything it’s all bit Coldplay-ish.

“Beach Baby” – Soft and pretty—even if it seems dark. Seems like leftovers, however it’ll still make fans happy.

“Baby” – It takes nearly a minute-and-a-half to get beyond the intro. Might be overdone and indulgent. Perhaps I’m too impatient, but without a big payoff it’s too much.

“Woods” – Vernon plays with the vocoder which, after reviewing a lot of R&B and hip-hop CDs, I could have lived without. The electro-vocal creation doesn’t do anything for the song. This isn’t nearly as interesting as Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek.”