How exactly would you classify Bon Iver – indie, instrumental, orchestral, experimental, folk, all five? Although indescribable and probably no fun at parties there is something about Justin Vernon’s voice and the arrangement of music that draws you in and completely transports you. With his first full length album For Emma, Forever Ago Bon Iver took people’s breath away and his newest self titled effort is guaranteed to satisfy fans by expanding on his original sound yet still managing to provide an album in line with what everyone loved so much the first time around.

Bon Iver glides along effortlessly, which is surprising considering the complexity of the music, but they make it all seem so easy. Vernon’s voice is simply flawless and every instrument is perfectly placed to it’s greatest effect. The album opens up with “Perth” that couldn’t build any better, it’s as though the band is opening the door to the album and welcoming you in. The guitar melody, distant sound of a choir and marching drum beat draw you in and provide a perfect appetizer. “Minnesota, WI” is next and although if you told me you were going to build a song with a plucking fiddle, synthesizers, a falsetto mixed with a low growl and jarring breakdowns I would think you were crazy, but they pull it off with flying colors. “Holocene” is a melodic tune that stays pretty steady throughout and leaves you singing “and I can see for miles, miles, miles” long after listening. “Towers” is a fun upbeat twist, “Michicant” chugs along like a waltz and of course “Calgary” is an absolute stand out that practically defines the album. The real confusion comes with “Lisbon, OH” that is just a minute and a half of strange chords that reminds me of the hearing test they gave you in grammar school. This leads into the album’s closer “Beth/Rest” that sounds like the credit music for an 80′s romantic comedy. Seriously, hearing this song made me so nostalgic I popped The Secret of My Success in my VCR and turned Restless Heart’s “Don’t Ask the Reasons Why” up to full blast (youtube it, the similarity is uncanny). Luckily the last two songs don’t spoil anything but I certainly wish such an impressive album had ended stronger.

There aren’t many albums that can completely transport you and make you feel something that wasn’t there before, but Bon Iver can. This kind of experimental melodic orchestral music might not be for everyone, but if you truly drive into this music you will not be disappointed. The songs on this album weren’t meant for parties, playlists or casual listening they were meant to be heard in the context of their album and in that context they are truly beautiful.