Complicated instrumentation and intricate song structure were never a part of what originally drew people to Justin Vernon and the other members of Bon Iver (@boniver). Quite frankly, an acappella rendition of most of this group’s songs would be equally as powerful as their counterparts, if not more so. Vernon’s absolutely incredible vocals and unadulterated lyrical meaning are, without a doubt, the root of Bon Iver’s strength. Luckily, they seem to recognize that, so while “Calgary” is a departure from For Emma, Forever Ago in the base instrumentation, it keeps the same slow, searing falsetto harmonies and melodies that left their mark before.

While I miss the strumming of a slightly out-of-tune guitar, the simple percussive and synth elements of “Calgary” are a welcome change. Bon Iver isn’t attempting to recreate the frame of mind and perfect isolation that birthed the first release, and the sound reflects that. Though still structurally minimal, this first track represents a conscious step forward. Consider my expectations, at least for this initial song, completely met.

The lyrics are fairly strange, though. Embodying a stream of consciousness feel, they seem more like the ramblings of a dream than reality.

don’t you cherish me to sleep
never keep your eyelids clipped
hold me for the pops and clicks
I was only for the father’s crib

hair, old, long along
your neck onto your shoulder blades
always keep that message taped
cross your breasts you won’t erase
I was only for your very space

hip, under nothing
propped up by your other one, face ‘way from the sun
just have to keep a dialogue
teach our bodies: haunt the cause
I was only trying to spell a loss

joy, it’s all founded
pincher with the skin inside
you pinned me with your black sphere eyes
you know that all the rope’s untied
I was only for to die beside

so itʼs storming on the lake
little waves our bodies break

there’s a fire going out,
but there’s really nothing to the south

swollen orange and light let through
your one piece swimmer stuck to you

sold, I’m Ever
open ears and open eyes
wake up to your starboard bride
who goes in and then stays inside
oh the demons come, they can subside