Yahoo! Music Review

Released on 26/01/09
Label: Jagjaguwar

Sometimes it's hard not to wonder how well Bon Iver's highly-lauded "For Emma, Forever Ago" would have fared were it not for the back story that accompanied it: musician splits with band and girlfriend, takes himself off to an isolated log cabin in the back of beyond, kills a deer which is then skinned, gutted and used for food during the harsh winter months as his emotions are poured out onto cheap recording equipment.

You can see why the dad mags loved it so much; not only did it fit in with the editorially approved vision of what constitutes "Americana", it also satisfied a kind of middle-aged wish fulfilment. And yet, leaving the romance of the scenario aside, "For Emma, Forever Ago" nonetheless delivered a highlight that, while not quite matching the gushing plaudits that met its release, proved that the well of the human condition had run far from dry in terms of inspiration.

"Blood Bank" goes some considerable way to proving that there is life beyond the hyperbole. Musically, the sound is warmer and more rounded and the move towards warmth and re-birth and hope is as delightful as it is welcome.

    by Julian Marszalek