VZ Magazine

Some bands transcend the limits of genre of and category. Some bands defy definition. Eau Claire, Wisconsin's Bon Iver is one such band. Frontman Justin Vernon and his trademark falsetto-folk-funk has been championed by everyone from NPR to Kanye West. It's hard to listen to his albums (2007's For Emma, Forever Ago and this year's self-titled follow-up) and not be transported to someplace magnificent. Last Friday, I got the chance to see him perform for a sold-out crowd at The Uptown Theater.

.

The show was predictably epic; colossal and intimate at the same time. Opener Kathleen Edwards set the tone with her earnest ballads and her adoration of all things Americana (ironically she's Canadian). Her charm was insuppressible, despite the sullen, poignant tone of her songs. She sort of had-me-at-hello when she cracked wise, “Well, aren’t you all on your best behavior?” I especially loved her cover of  The Flaming Lips' 'Feeling Yourself Disintegrate".

.

Once Bon Iver started to play, the on-stage universe seem to expand. Edwards' three-piece shindig was replaced by a nine-man army of sound. Everyone in the band played at least two instruments, giving the set an orchestral feel throughout. Vibrant lights intensified already electrifying songs like "Perth" and "Creature Fear."  All evening, Vernon projected a powerful stage presence tempered by a genuine appreciation for the crowd that had gathered to partake in his dynamic expression. The show was a series of saturated moments building up to the peak, an Olympian rendition of "Calgary". It's been nearly a week, and my ears are still ringing from the sheer power in this song. I was way up in the balcony but still felt the bass pressing on my chest like I was on the ground level, right up against a subwoofer.

.

The band cranked out a couple more songs before saying goodnight taking a break. They re-emerged to an invigorated crowd and gave them what they'd wanted all night: a sing-along version of  "Skinny Love" (arguably Vernon's best song), complete with hand-clapping and foot-stomping.

Admittedly, I am late to this party. Bon Iver has been around and touring since 2007 yet only now is the group getting the attention that it deserves. During the Grammy Nomination concert, at which Bon Iver was nominated for four awards, including Best New Artist. That night Bon Iver was trending on Twitter and their Youtube video hit counter spun like an odometer on a UPS truck. Here are six facts you need to know about Bon Iver.

.

1. The group is not one person, but four: Justin Vernon (lead vocals and founder), Sean Carey (Drums, Percussion, Piano), and Matthew McCaughan (bass, drums, vocals), and Michael Noyce (baritone guitar, vocals).

.

2. The name Bon Iver comes from the French phrase Bon Hiver, which means "good winter".

.

3. In order to accurately reproduce the vocals on many of the bands songs, Vernon passes out lyrics to audience before shows. "The song actually needs 80-500 people singing or whatever the vibe is of that room, it needs that fight." says Vernon in an Interview with Pitchfork Music.

.

4. The all solo debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, was recorded by Vernon in a remote cabin and was self released. The first versions of the album were sold locally in Wisconsin in card stock binding.

.

5. Justin Vernon was featured on the Kanye West track Monsters, which also featured Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z.

.

6. Vernon lists his major inspirations for his music as Morrissey and "complete solitude".

.