Early Review: Bon Iver's Blood Bank EP

While Justin Vernon, lead singer and songwriter for indie-folk band Bon Iver, may not have secluded himself in the dense woods of Wisconsin for his Blood Bank EP, he's continuing right where he left off.

The title track, Blood Bank, begins the four song EP, and the gentle electric guitar comes as a subtle surprise, considering Bon Iver's full length, For Emma, Forever Ago, consisted mostly of songs following the acoustic route. Vernon's vocals creep eerily close to Coldplay's Chris Martin, but isn't so distracting that the song is to be overlooked. While the track doesn't impress the listener at any specific point, it comes across as simple and melodic throughout, similar to a ballad from The Frames or 90's alternative kings, Bush.

Beach Baby rings slightly closer to the previous album. Early in the song, and often, listeners can enjoy Vernon's beautifully delicate falsetto. While the guitar melody does not impress, there's no need to, the vocals should lull any patient listener into a mild coma. The only complaint is that this track only runs 2:35, and I'd much like to hear an extended version. A final guitar solo flirts with the cliché "beach anthem" but is well played and edited that it can easily be accepted.

Bon Iver's third track, Babys, begins with the playing of repetitive piano notes that fade and regenerate throughout the song. The keys give the impression of a gentle rain or snow, soft, but just abrasive enough to draw attention. The harmonies between the vocals capture much of what has been expected from Bon Iver. The tempo builds to the finish, but leave the listener waiting, expecting a climax, but Babys leaves them leaning, and thinking. Although this track is unlike previous work, it's a song that shows the musical ability and dynamic talent of the musicians.

Blood Bank EP's final song may leave some Bon Iver fans saying, "Oh no." The entire track, Wood, is all done in auto-tune, an effect that causes the vocals to become metallic sounding (the same idea as Cher's Believe). Initially, it's rather unsettling to hear Bon Iver mentioned in the same sentence as pop-icon Cher, however, this song does have positive qualities. While it may not have the genuine folk qualities previous songs have, it certainly shows the musical editing and manipulating talent Vernon and the others have. While it may never be considered a Bon Iver classic, Wood certainly has it's own separate qualities that should be appreciated.

Bon Iver fans certainly have some quality songs to look forward to this coming January. However, it is important to remember these tracks are only but stepping-stones to the full-length album. Until then, Bon Iver lovers will have to wet their whistle by catching them live as they make their way through the Midwest this coming winter.

Blood Bank EP Rating: 3 out of 4 stars