This week, we write to the fans of Bon Iver, paying homage to his greatness and suggesting two similar, lesser-known artists we think you’ll love. Each of these musicians utilizes falsetto vocals, enchanting lyrics and has recently released an album that exemplifies that talent.
Bon Iver (@boniver) first blew us away with For Emma, Forever Ago in 2008, which will certainly go down as one of our generation’s best albums. Recorded in a secluded cabin in Wisconsin, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver created a quiet and complex record filled with stunning tracks like “Flume”, “For Emma” and “Skinny Love” that beautifully blended his high singing voice and haunting lyrics. The year 2011 brought us Bon Iver’s self-titled second full-length, which ultimately skyrocketed Vernon into the spotlight with a 2012 Grammy Award for the Best Alternative Music Album and Best New Artist, perhaps making it one of history’s strongest sophomore albums.
Irish born singer-songwriter, James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) carries a distinct relation to Bon Iver, boasting incredible falsetto vocals and guitar/piano artistry. The We Don’t Eat EP is McMorrow’s most recent venture, released in February of this year. It brings us a memorable cover of Steve Winwood’s ”Higher Love” and three original tracks. McMorrow’s first full-length album, Early In The Morning (released in the United States in January 2011) came after living six months in a house on the Irish coast. McMorrow played and recorded everything himself, using only one microphone and a computer. The result of this production method may be reminiscent of Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, but McMorrow has a treatment of his own. “If I Had a Boat”, the first track off Early in the Morning, opens with a lush, five-part harmony, diving quickly into the record’s themes of heartbreak. He’s already reached the top of the iTunes charts in Ireland, so we suspect you’ll be hearing much more from James Vincent McMorrow very soon.
Chris Bathgate (@chrisbathgate) hails from outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, not far from Vernon’s home state of Wisconsin. Akin to Bon Iver, Bathgate’s warm vocals and telling lyrics showcase a burgeoning talent in the realm of indie folk. Bathgate released Salt Year, his most recent full-length album, in 2011 after a period of personal trials and failed relationships that spanned the four year period following previous release, A Cork Tale Wake. Salt Year is brilliantly full-bodied, possessing electric guitars, keys, a violin and two percussionists. Bathgate’s ability simply oozes from his fingers on the album, and if you can catch a live show, you certainly won’t be disappointed either. Do yourself a favor — if you haven’t heard of Chris Bathgate, spend some time with his music.