Justin Vernon and company unloaded their souls last night in an extremely moving live incarnation of ‘the record’. As a tangible hush often filled the space, about 300 admirers showed great respect for the band and material throughout.

The Crofoot Ballroom is a relatively new venue in the Detroit suburb of Pontiac, Michigan. The generous, tastefully lit room features a u-shaped deck above, and a large stage offering excellent sight lines and a great listening/viewing experience for all.

Through the enjoyable presence of openers The Bowerbirds, one could spot all manner of acoustic and electric instruments strewn about the set in unconventional arrangements: a keyboard nestled amidst a stripped down drum kit, a violin perched atop a snare on yet another kit, or a lone floor tom near a rack of electric guitars. It was entertaining just deciphering how the performers would integrate.

As it turned out, the presentation of Bon Iver was as singular and refreshing as the setup. All four members pretty much remained seated for the entire show, facillating perhaps a foot on a kick drum while playing the bass or bouncing back and forth between keys and guitar. While the music was at times achingly quiet, the deceptively sedentary gentlemen from Wisconsin would frequently roar and thrash with abandon. Guitarist Mike Noyce in particular would occasionally curl up around his instrument appearing to literally wrench the notes from his gut.

A huge feature of For Emma are the layers of vocals which were precisely reproduced by the band. All four guys could sing and their timbres lined up perfectly with Vernon’s distinctive delivery. As either an effective unison or four harmonious parts (such as the beautiful incantation that introduces “Lump Sum”), the vocal chops of Bon Iver live are remarkable.

Opening with “Flume” and “Lump Sum”, Vernon then introduced a new song, “Blood Bank”, from a forthcoming EP. It’s a rock song far removed from familiar territory as Vernon played some tasty organ over a thumpin’ backbeat. The new material shows promise to build and expand on Bon Iver as a band, as opposed to simply a nom de guerre for Vernon.

After prepping the audience to sing along - We’re gonna’ get super fucking loud at the end, just keep singing - the band next delivered “The Wolves (Act I and II)” and delivered the promise; building to a clattering, wailing crescendo that left their willing chorus in awe.

“Skinny Love” followed to predictably ramped-up applause after which Vernon declared the gig - the third date of the tour - to be really the first before a ‘listening’ audience having played at Pitchfork the night before to a more festive vibe. The quip, And we’re all midwestern here, got a good clap as well.

After the waltz/stomp that is “Creature Fear”, the band left Vernon alone onstage under a single overhead spotlight as he explained, Since this is a headlining tour, we get to play a little longer and you being such a good listening group, here’s something that doesn’t get played too often. After which he quietly shoved off - to audible oohs and ahhs - into “Stacks”, the tender and heartbreaking closer to For Emma. One could not help be moved as Vernon played and sang with beauty and barely restrained passion before finally hanging his head and rubbing his eyes as the final chord washed away. The ovation went on for a while.

The full band returned for “Blindsided”, followed by Justin remarking to much laughter, We’re gonna’ do a cover now. Hope you don’t get pissed. An embarrassing false start followed - and a declaration of ‘amateur hour’ - before the band got up to speed for a cool version of Talk Talk’s “I Believe In You”. Drummer Sean Carey did a great job on the lead vocal and tricky beat.

The title track of ‘the record’ (as Vernon kept referring to it) closed the set and the band left to a standing room before returning for a unique and special encore.

Approaching the edge of the stage - only Vernon armed with an acoustic guitar - all members of Bon Iver plus The Bowerbirds delivered a totally unplugged, unamplified version of Sarah Siskind’s “Lovin’s For Fools”, the last a capella verse sending the beaming Crofoot crowd off into the rainy summer night.

If you’re a fan, catch this tour. If you’re not, and you think For Emma is nothin’ but a downer… think again. Vernon and mates are genial, fun and energetic and more than willing to show their human side and truly connect with those looking for a good listen.

Mike Noyce - guitars, percussion, vocals

Sean Carey - percussion, keyboard, vocals

Mark Paulson - bass, percussion, vocals

Justin Vernon - guitars, keyboard, vocals

© Stephen Mockensturm for Listen In. Some Rights Reserved.

• Share This:
  
  • Subscribe
  • Blinklist
  • Bloglines
  • Blogmarks
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati