Bon Iver’s long-awaited second album is finally upon us. The self-titled result is a more complex recording and band-orientated album than the debut For Emma Forever Ago. Each of the ten tracks holds an inspiration to the band from places around the world. The beautiful opening track 'Perth' is named after the place where the album started. The album is a progression from Vernon’s earlier ‘locked up in a cabin’ work to a vast open landscape of sounds: silky electric guitars, intricate keys, subtle horn, string sections and ghostly choirs. Vernon’s vocals remain as haunting as ever, mixing between his filtered vocoder and warm falsetto. A must have for old and new fans alike!

Nathan Fitzpatrick is a friend of Readings.