5 Artists That Sound A Lot Like Bon Iver
We can all agree that Bon Iver is one of those artists that came along and flipped indie music on its head. His music was pure, exhilarating, and somehow sleep-inducing at the same time. With the release of 22, A Million, it’s clear Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) has begun to expand his sound into some weird, experimental territory, but that voice we’ve come to know and love remains. If you’re longing for some more music that echoes Vernon’s dreamy falsetto, here are 5 artists that are meant for you.
1. “Paper Knees” by The Careful Ones
Hailing from Central Florida, this band does a wonderful job of mixing intense atmospheres with beautiful lyrics. The vocal prowess here is uncanny, and each song does a great job of taking the listener somewhere that transcends the stereotypes into which singer/songwriters tend to fall. Listen to their first album for a more folksy vibe, and the latter 2013 (ironically released in 2016) for songs with more layers and emphases on instrumentation.
2. “The Breach” by Dustin Tebbutt
Dustin embodies Bon Iver’s attempt to be one with nature and transport listeners to a breezy canyon’s edge where you are meant to absorb your surroundings and reflect. In addition, the falsettos on display here are spot on and are what makes his songs fly. Come for the whimsical vocal talent, stay for some breezy and stacked arrangements.
3. “Comrade” by Volcano Choir
I will admit this band is sort of a gimme, given that Justin Vernon is, in fact, their lead vocalist. You will hear Vernon’s influence seamlessly intertwined with each song’s approach. In all honesty, this album is essentially an extension of the Bon Iver canon. Now that 22, A Million has arrived, it is easy to tell that the album Repave was when he began to flirt with the electronic, synthesized approach. Give “Comrade” a listen and let me know if you agree.
4. "Red" by Mt. Wolf
Every single song by Mt. Wolf is a meditation on the meaning of relationships and the difficulty of grasping with change and fluidity. While that sounds intense, it’s probably because this music is intense! I’m not talking sadness or anger, but raw emotion. This is one of those bands where each song starts somewhere quaint and finishes somewhere completely different. Expect some elongated builds and extremely satisfying crescendos.
5. "From Gold" by Novo Amor
Currently, Novo Amor’s hometown on Facebook is listed as “The Moon.” I would have to agree that indeed, the massive walls of sound that he constructs, spliced with delicate melodies, make listeners feel like they are floating in space. So in addition to his sense of humor, this artist has a vibe that is truly magnificent. If you’ve ever wanted to go to space, now is your chance.
