aaamusic | On 20, Jun 2011

Today sees the release of Bon Iver’s second album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver. Featuring ten new songs penned by Justin Vernon, the album expands the group’s sonic palette beyond the rustic acoustics of the debut. A lush landscape of silky electric guitars, intricate keys, and subtle horn and string sections, Bon Iver, Bon Iver retains the ghost choirs and densely layered vocals intact that Bon Iver is widely celebrated for.

Painstakingly crafted over three years, the album was recorded and mixed at April Base Studios, a former veterinarian’s clinic in Fall Creek, WI, converted into a recording studio by Vernon and his brother. Bon Iver regulars Sean Carey, Mike Noyce and Matt McCaughan contributed vocals, drums and production; Rob Moose (Antony and the Johnsons, The National) helped with arranging and strings; and Jim Schoenecker and Tom Wincek provided processing. The album also features the pedal steel of Greg Leisz (Lucinda Williams, Bill Frisell) and a horn section including Colin Stetson (Tom Waits, Arcade Fire), Mike Lewis (Andrew Bird, Happy Apple), and C.J. Camerieri (Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens).

Tour Dates
Bon Iver have also confirmed their first UK and European tour dates since 2009. For the shows, Justin Vernon will perform with an 8-piece band that includes many musicians who contributed to the new record. The touring band will consist of regular Bon Iver contributors Sean Carey (drums, piano), Mike Noyce and Matt McCaughan as well as Rob Moose on violin and guitar Mike Lewis on bass and a horn section including Reginald Pace, Colin Stetson, and C.J. Camerieri. Below is a full list of dates

October
19 – 02 Apollo, Manchester
20 – The Canal Theatre, Dublin
22 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh
24 – Hammersmith HMV Apollo, London
26 – MCV, Utrecht
27 – AB, Brussels
29 – La Trianon, Paris
30 – E-Werk, Koln

November
01 – Columiahalle, Berlin
03 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
04 – Munchen Bryggeriet, Stockholm
05 – Falkoner, Copenhagen
06 – Docks, Hamburg
09 – O2 Academy, Birmingham
10 – O2 Academy, Leeds 11 – Colston Hall, Bristol