When docile folk sensations, Bon Iver, won the Grammy for Best New Artist back in 2012, mass confusion ensued. Mainstream audiophiles didn’t quite know who these mystery men were, let alone how to pronounce their name which eventually spawned a silly meme known as “Who the hell is Bonnie Bear?”. But ask any fan of indie music, or anyone who’s heard any of the gazillion cover versions of worldwide hit, “Skinny Love”, and they’ll pretty much be screaming their heads off if you told ’em that Bon Iver was headed this way for a concert. Well hold on to your horses, and steel those hearts for a staggering salvo of emotion; Secret Sounds Asia has made this dream come true.
Having brought down popular left-field (in-die is the new in-thing, haven’t you heard?) acts like Tycho, Charli XCX and Alt-J, Secret Sounds Asia is now one-upping its street cred with the reveal of Bon Iver on February 26, 2016. Led by the misty, poignant pipes of frontman, Justin Vernon, these Wisconsin natives can sell out stadiums with their introspective tunes. For those uninitiated with Bon Iver’s work ethic, these were the guys who wrote their 2007 debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago”, in do-not-disturb solitude; locked away in a cabin for months to produce toe-tappers and tearjerkers huddled with plush harmonies and wispy acoustic guitars. Likewise, you’ll be both flabbergasted and forlorn as you watch Bon Iver’s impassioned showcase at The Star Theatre – bring tissues if you have to.
While Bon Iver has yet to release any new album since 2011’s “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”, they’ve reportedly unveiled fresh songs on tour. So as certain as we are that you’ll be crooning along to songs like “Holocene” and “Calgary”, we’d bet that you’re in for a couple o’ surprises as well. After all, Justin Vernon and co. are storytellers in their craft, so rest assured that you’ll have a story to tell after watching this gig too.
Bon Iver live in Singapore; February 26, 2016; 8pm; The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617; p. 6636 0055. Tickets are available via SISTIC from November 23; prices are $148, $128, $108, $88, $68.