Bon Iver’s latest project, SABLE, fABLE, is a deeply personal and redemptive album that traces a path from darkness to light, and from isolation to connection. Structured in two parts— the EP SABLE and the LP fABLE—the album reflects different stages in Justin Vernon’s emotional and artistic journey.
The SABLE EP serves as the album’s prelude, capturing a period of intense introspection and emotional reckoning. The title, “SABLE”—meaning “near-blackness”—reflects themes of grief, guilt, and self-examination. Comprising three tracks—“Things Behind Things Behind Things,” “S P E Y S I D E,” and “Awards Season”—the EP is what Vernon calls a “triptych,” with each piece revealing a facet of his inner turmoil.
Sparse instrumentation and raw production amplify the emotional vulnerability at the heart of the songs, drawing listeners into a space of quiet reflection and stark honesty.
In contrast, fABLE marks a turn outward, exploring themes of healing, desire, and human connection. Collaborating with artists like Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Danielle Haim, Dijon, and Kacy Hill, Vernon expands the sonic and emotional palette of the album. The music opens up—both sonically and spiritually—featuring lush pop arrangements and textured electronics co-produced with Jim-E Stack.
Tracks like “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” “Walk Home,” and “If Only I Could Wait” celebrate the vulnerability and risk of newfound love, standing in bright contrast to the somber tones of SABLE.
Together, SABLE and fABLE form a cohesive arc—from the shadows of internal struggle to the illumination of acceptance and emotional clarity. The album suggests that growth and renewal are only possible by first confronting the darkness within. Through that journey, love emerges as a transformative force.
SABLE, fABLE is a bold and mature statement from Bon Iver—an exploration of emotional duality and creative evolution. By embracing both stark minimalism and expansive collaboration, Vernon continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in the core of what makes his music resonate: vulnerability, honesty, and the complexity of being human.
