With a total of nine musicians on stage utilizing a cornucopia of instruments, including two drum kits to really give things a punch, Bon Iver’s first show of a two night run at the Orpheum was anything but a hushed night of pretty, melancholy tunes.
Things started out quiet enough as the first notes from “Perth” drifted over the audience and Justin Vernon and his tremendous band appeared on the stage. And then, as the LED towers on stage grew brighter and the marching beat from the drums built its crescendo, the full effect of band was made clear as everything just exploded and Vernon sang the lyrics, “Still alive who you love.” It was clear we weren’t in a cabin in the woods anymore.
For an album that is more about a sense of place and feelings those places evoke, the live renditions of the songs from Bon Iver, Bon Iver heard last night certainly drove all of those notions home. The bass was bigger, the strings sweeter and the brass section wailed louder than could ever be made apparent in the recorded versions, as “Perth” naturally lead into “Minnesota, WI,” just as it does on the album. “Holocene” followed, its sweeping beauty sounding even greater as the audience sat in respectful silence.
Vernon seemed almost as stunned as the rest of us, perhaps a little awestruck by the out-of-control love from the audience and musing over the fact that he once was an audience member watching John Prine in the same theater. Vernon got lots of shouts by acknowledging the UW Eau Claire connections before playing “Towers,” which ended the run of songs solely from the second Bon Iver LP. Vernon then joked that they were going to play “an old one!” as “Creature Fear” came to life, once again bolstered by the added depth from the band, which also benefitted “Blood Bank.”
The only moment Vernon was alone on stage was for “re: Stacks.” As one dude yelled out “Thank you for writing this song!” in a sincerely heartfelt way, Vernon sat bathed in light and, amazingly, the sold out crowd was absolutely silent, clinging onto every note. It was nothing short of brilliant.
Mike Lewis’ talents were showcased during a jamming version of “Beth/Rest,” and “For Emma” turned into a celebration of the evening as it closed out the main set before the band came back for an encore filled with favorites from For Emma, Forever Ago. “Skinny Love” got the most shouts before the evening ended with “The Wolves (Act I and II),” which had Vernon encouraging everyone to start howling at the end. As the crowd flooded into the aisles, the entire band gathered around each other, singing their hearts out as everyone shouted along at the end to close out the night. I haven’t heard a crowd cheer louder for a show since the freaking Justified/Stripped tour for another Justin (Timberlake).
Indeed, Bon Iver has emerged from the woods complete with lights and smoke and a nine-piece band. But that doesn’t mean the soul isn’t still there; it’s just been amplified by 10,000 and it’s all for the better.
I’m trying to find a ticket for tonight….
“For Emma” as heard last night at The Orpheum below:
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