SABLE, fABLE is Bon Iver's first album in six years, and with it comes a love story set to lush, radiant pop music. While the record begins with the vulnerable unburdening of last fall’s three-song digital EP SABLE,  the triptych seamlessly gives way to a new nine-song saga. fABLE looks towards a vibrant future filled with light, purpose and possibility: a partner, new memories, perhaps a family. The previous four albums were a cycle of seasons that is now complete; SABLE, fABLE is a canvas for truth laid bare.

The release of SABLE, fABLE marks the first time songs from SABLE will be available in physical formats. If SABLE, was the prologue, then fABLE is the book – and together, SABLE, fABLEis the album.

Bon Iver’s three-song collection SABLE, was a prologue mired in darkness, a controlled burn clearing the way for new possibilities. fABLE is the book that follows. Where SABLE, was a work of solitude, fABLE is an outstretched hand. Radiant, ornate pop music gleams around Vernon’s voice as he focuses on a new and beautiful era.

On every song, his eyes are locked with one specific person. It’s love, which means there’s an intense clarity, focus, and honesty within fABLE. It’s a portrait of a man flooded and overwhelmed by that first meeting (“Everything Is Peaceful Love”). There’s a tableau defined by sex and irrepressible desire (“Walk Home”). This is someone filled with light and purpose seeing an entire future right in front of him: a partner, new memories, maybe a family.

There’s something undeniably healing about infatuation. Cleaving to someone else can feel like light pouring in from a door that’s suddenly swung wide. But there’s a reason SABLE, is of a piece with fABLE; the shadow still rears its head in lighter times. Even when you’ve reached a new chapter, you’ll still find yourself back in your own foundational muck. A fable isn’t a fairy tale. There’s good stuff: unbridled joy and trips to Spain. But fables aren’t hinged on happy endings; they’re here to instill a lesson.

As the album winds to a close, he acknowledges the need for patience and a commitment to put in the work. There’s a selfless rhythm required when you’re enmeshing yourself with another person. The song—and by extension the entire album—is a pledge. He’s ready to find that pace.

SABLE,
SIDE A
1. THINGS BEHIND
THINGS BEHIND THINGS
2. S P E Y S I D E

SIDE B
3. AWARDS SEASON

ABLE
SIDE A
1. Short Story
2. Everything Is Peaceful Love
3. Walk Home
4. Day One (feat. Dijon and
Flock of Dimes)
5. From

SIDE B
6. I'll Be There
7. If Only I Could Wait (feat.
Danielle Haim)
8. There's A Rhythmn
9. Au Revoir