Where is Justin Vernon going now? Out of the cold woods and into the sun, it would seem. The sky is lined with sparse clouds that casually cross the sun in Bon Iver’s sophomore release Blood Bank EP. 

The four-track EP (officially released via digital, CD and vinyl mediums on January 20, 2009) is presented as a full-band effort with the assistance of Sean Carey (percussion/vocals/keys) and Mike Noyce (guitar/vocals). The EP is a somewhat unexpected follow-up to Justin Vernon’s highly successful Jagjaguwar Records release of For Emma, Forever Ago.

Those expecting the same wintry, naturalistic compositions of For Emma may be surprised, though not necessarily disappointed, by Blood Bank. The songs maintain a nature-focused aesthetic while maintaining distance from the cold and sorrow of For Emma via brushing sonority in vocal harmonies, simple background textures and excellent layering. The composition is reminiscent of looking to the horizon; an auburn tree that refuses to give into winter overlaps a leafless tree, which in turn overlaps full-bodied pines and a distant chimney, steadily pouring heat from its stack. The title track “Blood Bank” opens the EP with subtle rhythm guitars, finishing with an apprehensive, crunchy lead that is fitting to the lyricism: “that secret that we know / but we don’t know how to tell”.  

The second track features a warm acoustic slide guitar that takes us straight into the sun and further from Vernon’s cabin in the frigid woods of Wisconsin. The song twists and builds on a simple crescendoing piano in the third track “Babys” that mimics the movement of flickering flame on wood – quick movements that slowly evolve position over time. Though all fitting, “Babys” at times feels cliché with its childlike instrumentation and whining vocals.  

The final track “Woods” utilizes the overused auto-tune effect. This addition seems excessive for the album. For a talented vocalist, Vernon does not need to allocate the assistance of the auto-tuner, and may have been better served without it. Whether the extensive use of the device was meant to supplement the album or be used as a form of satire due to its overuse in today’s music industry, the effect does not serve any great purpose to the EP. Instead, the device brings an Imogen Heap-esque (think “Hide and Seek”) element to the album. That said, the harmonies are beautiful and it’s a well-composed song. The simplicity is remarkable considering the only four lyrics of the song: “I’m up in the woods / I’m down on my mind / I’m building a still / To slow down the time”.  

Blood Bank feels like a brief reflection on For Emma and the process of looking forward; a representation of the possibilities the band has for the future. The well-timed release should keep listeners intrigued while pondering what is yet to come for the young artist.