A Bon Nuit

Last Sunday, Hammersmith Apollo (or the HMV Apollo which I believe is it's latest, official name) played host to American Indie-Folk Band, Bon Iver. Heard of them? No?... Well you should have! Okay, brief summary: Fronted by singer/songwriter Justin Vernon, Bon Iver have been on the musical scene for 4 years. In that time, they have built up a worldwide fan base. The first album 'For Emma, Forever ago' penned by Justin, was written whilst he hibernated for 3 months in his fathers log cabin in Wisconsin. Some of the tracks suggest his time spent there was to mend a broken heart, others speculate that it because he had been through some tough years, including the split of his previous band (and possible girlfriend?), which resulted in his world crashing down. Whatever the story, the three months were well spent. His life spun into song made the guy an incredible first album and I'm sure, an awful lot of money. 

Anyway, we're back in Hammersmith and word had begun to spread that tickets were being snapped up outside for £200. I was one of the lucky ones who parted with my £23.50 when the tickets first went on sale a few months ago. I also over heard whispers that this could potentially be one of the best live shows of 2011. Bon Iver better not let me down. Don't get me wrong, I was excited and had high expectations, but also could have really done with the £200 and an early night. 

The performance opened with 'Perth' which just so happens to be one of my favourite tracks from the latest, self-titled album. It was a good start. I couldn't help but feel a little shocked when I counted the 8 musicians alongside Justin. For a guy that could carry a crowd on his delicate voice alone, surely didn't require a mini orchestra, especially one including two thunderously large drum kits and what can only be described as the worlds biggest saxophone!
After a few spine tingling tracks filled the air, the band stood to one side and allowed Justin to perform a track off the iconic first album. At this point, the room fell deathly silent. The only other sound that could be heard was a light tapping on my shoulder. My friend decided to remind me that it was my round at the bar.
During that performance, my eyes scanned the room. No, not in search of my friend bringing me my cider. But to do the mandatory people watch. It was clear to see that the majority of Bon Iver's followers were either couples that lovingly hung off each others necks, or were male, mid-twenties sporting a perfectly planned 7-day stubble. Sadly, I didn't fall into either of these cult categories. 

The musicians continued to capture the crowd, taking them on a magical, musical journey and if I closed my eyes, ignored the thick, sticky, musk of body odor that hung in the air, I could have almost been transported to his fathers log cabin. When he begun to serenade the virtually still crowd with one of my favourite tracks 'Wash', I couldn't help but whip out my camera phone to capture the moment on film. I've since posted this video online and I have become somewhat of a YouTube sensation. Last time I checked I had 90+ views within 48 hours of posting the clip!

Bon Iver of course had to perform their biggest, most popular hit 'Skinny Love'. A beautiful song which has been covered by many artists much to my disapproval. (I'm not a fan of artists covering already fantastic songs, I think its a cheap shot to ride on anothers success). Anyway, this was the penultimate track in the 1hr 45min set, and when the first strum of his guitar sounded, the room suddenly lit up. No, not with lighters waving in the air or some fancy stage neons. The venue simply lit up with...camera phones. As much as I too wanted to capture this beauty of a song on my phone, I was certain that one of the crowd would inevitably post the clip online for me to steal.

It's fair to say that Bon Iver have developed into a bigger, better ensemble, full of percussion and life with the ability to hold such an on stage presence it was virtually impossible to focus on anything else. - Other than the surprisingly attractive beaded men of course.

I left Hammersmith feeling musically fulfilled, fuzzy headed, happy and trembling, slightly. It was a cocktail of powerful music, a few too many ciders and lack of winter jacket.

Natalie x

Unfortunately I left my camera at home, so you will have to make do with the grainy pictures off my phone.