Bon Iver Returns With First Solo Album in Six Years

Bon Iver is back. The band, which started as a solo project for frontman Justin Vernon, will release their first full-length album since 2019’s I,I. Titled SABLE, fABLE, the new album is set for release on April 11.

Last fall, Bon Iver previewed the full-length project with the Sable, EP, which featured three new songs. Those same tracks intentionally mark the beginning of SABLE, fABLE. In a statement, the band explained the premise of their new love-focused album. “If SABLE, was the prologue, then fABLE is the book — but together, SABLE, fABLE is the album, and for that reason it is no fairy tale. There may be something undeniably healing about infatuation, and the intense clarity, focus, honesty and celebration it brings to these songs.”

While SABLE, fABLE may not be steeped in storybook endings, the band is sticking to the theme of romantic love. Ahead of the album’s release, Bon Iver will release the single “Everything Is Peaceful Love” this Friday to coincide with Valentine’s Day. The song will feature a video directed by John Wilson.

In the six years since Bon Iver has released an LP, Justin Vernon has kept busy. He put out two LPs with Big Red Machine, his collaborative project with The National‘s Aaron Dessner. Vernon also lent his signature rasp to collaborations with some of the biggest stars in music, from Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, and Charli XCX. Most recently, Bon Iver was featured on Charli XCX’s quintessential Brat remix album Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat.

Vernon will continue his collaborative spirit with SABLE, fABLE. He worked with producer Jim-E Stack, who brought Danielle Haim to Vernon’s Wisconsin studio. According to the release, Haim was snowed in when she recorded vocals for their duet “If Only I Could Wait,” which served as “the conceptual genesis for the album” back in 2022.

It’s clear Bon Iver are in search of something new on this album. The statement also reads: “The previous four albums were a cycle of seasons that is now complete; SABLE, fABLE is a canvas for truth laid bare.”

SABLE, fABLE Track List
THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS
S P E Y S I D E
AWARDS SEASON
Short Story
Everything Is Peaceful Love
Walk Home
Day One (feat. Dijon and Flock of Dimes)
From
I’ll Be There
If Only I Could Wait (feat. Danielle Haim)
There’s A Rhythmn
Au Revoir