If there was any doubt that Bon Iver might not be able to live up to past accomplishments, the sold-out crowd of 2,500 people at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee would beg to differ. The second gig of a two night stand at the Riverside cemented Bon Iver’s reputation as a tour de force in both live performance and studio recordings.
Having never seen Bon Iver live before, I was contemplating an evening of mellow indie folk rock, heavy on choir boy harmonies and heart-felt lyrics. Nice enough to enjoy for about two hours, but would I fall asleep in the process? What I experienced was an emerging superstar talent who has put together a festival-like show complete with impeccable pacing and lighting accompaniment.
Opening with “Perth” to total adulation from the audience, the stage was set for samplings from the Bon Iver repertoire focusing on songs from the new self-titled album released on June 21st.
The electric vibe continued at the Riverside fueled by the BIG sound emanating from the stage. Backed by an eight piece band, including two drummers, Justin Vernon and Bon Iver embellished their material with new arrangements that fueled powerful crescendos, keeping the crowd’s attention for the 100 minute performance. Yes, I never thought I would say it, Bon Iver rocks!
Shouts of “We love you Vernon” among random song requests echoed through the theatre as the one time indie upstarts proved why their self-titled Bon Iver album entered the charts at #2 with accolades from the music press across the world. Justin Vernon repeatedly thanked everyone for taking the time to buy tickets for the show, almost embarrassed by all the attention.
By the time the opening chords of “Calgary” pierced the humidity laden atmosphere of the Riverside, you sensed the audience was totally mesmerized by this new touring spectacle. Strands of vertical lights pulsated with the rhythm behind stage, giving a sense of movement through even the mellowest of songs.
The essence of Bon Iver has always been the distinctive vocals of Justin Vernon and the brilliance of his harmonies that stand out from other contemporaries. That essence was not overshadowed by the additional instrumental backing, but elevated to a higher plane. A natural evolution that will keep Bon Iver fresh and relevant for years to come.
I moved downstairs to the main floor from the balcony, joining the heavy contingent of band family members and what seemed like the entire city of Eau Claire, for the encore. As the final notes of Beth/Rest faded away, Justin waved to the crowd and disappeared into blackness of the cavernous Riverside Theater.
I overheard someone say as we exited, “ I remember when Bon Iver used to drive themselves to gigs in a van.” Ah yes, it’s a much bigger van now.
Our favorite t-shirt from the merch table
Bon Iver setlist: Riverside Theater – July 23, 2011
1. Perth
2. Minnesota, WI
3. Holocene
4. Towers
5. Hinnom, TX
6. Wash.
7. Creature Fear
8. Blood Bank
9. Flume
10. Re: Stacks
11. Calgary
12. Who Is It (Björk cover)
13. Michicant
14. The Wolves (Act I and II)
Encore:
15. Skinny Love
16. For Emma
17. Beth/Rest
