Music review: Bon Iver - 22, A Million

Bon Iver's new album 22, A Million

It's been five years since Bon Iver's last album and 22, A Million is just their third full release.

If your expectations are based on their first album For Emma, Forever Ago you'll definitely need to recalibrate your thinking.

As I've been listening to Bon Iver's new album I've started reading Brian Wilson's new memoir and there's a certain relevance between the two.

Brian Wilson's approach to vocal harmonies can be compared to the work that Bon Iver has delivered here.

22, A Million sounds sparse and experimental sonically, not unlike Radiohead's Kid A.

But it's the layered vocals that make it a stand-out. Rather than the folksy approach that Bon Iver created earlier in their career, Justin Vernon has essentially re-invented the Bon Iver sound.

Think formless and structure-less electronic music, but wrapped up in to-die-for layered harmonies. Add in some interesting samples as well, like Mahalia Jackson, The Supreme Jubilees and Irish folk singer Fionn Regan.

All up you will need to take a fearless approach to 22, A Million, dismiss your expectations based on Bon Iver's two previous albums and take the journey.

Once you've made that adjustment the beauty that Bon Iver have created will play endlessly in your head long after the music has stopped.

Rating: 4/5 stars