Bon Iver returns to his roots with S P E Y S I D E, an intimate acoustic folk track that explores nostalgia and regret through minimal arrangements and Justin Vernon’s emotional vocals.
Released on September 20, 2024, as the lead single from the “SABLE “EP, S P E Y S I D E marks a return to the acoustic and stripped-down atmospheres that made Bon Iver famous. The track features a simple instrumentation consisting of acoustic guitar, viola, and Vernon’s delicate voice, almost whispering a message of remorse.
The title refers to Speyside, a region in Scotland renowned for producing single malt whisky. This choice seems to evoke a sense of reflection and memory, a hallmark of Vernon’s work. In an interview, he revealed that the song was born during a period of solitude and self-reflection and addresses themes of guilt and loss, as if the narrator is looking back on a past relationship with the burden of responsibility on his shoulders.
Critical Reception
S P E Y S I D E has received widespread critical acclaim. Pitchfork described the track as “a lonely song of apology, melodic and introspective”, praising Vernon’s ability to convey deep emotions through sparse instrumentation and evocative lyrics. Rolling Stone also lauded the acoustic production and dreamy atmosphere, comparing it to Bon Iver’s early works.
The official video, directed by Erinn Springer, was released alongside the single. Shot in black and white, the video enhances the song’s themes of solitude and introspection.
“File:Flickr – moses namkung – Bon Iver 3.jpg” by Moses is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Who is Bon Iver?
Bon Iver is the musical project of Justin Vernon, launched in 2006 with the debut album For Emma, Forever Ago. Recorded in isolation in a cabin in Wisconsin, the album introduced Vernon as one of the most influential artists in alternative and acoustic folk. Over the years, Bon Iver has experimented with electronic and layered sounds, winning multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2012.
