Review: Bon Iver iTunes Session

In the run-up to a number of festival appearances, and newly-announced UK arena dates, Bon Iver frontman  Justin Vernon has released an iTunes Session Live EP. Teasingly described as a 'new release', the 7-track EP showcases revamped versions of tracks from Justin's second album, the confusingly self-titled Bon Iver, as well as Bjork Cover, Who Is It.

The EP features fan-favourites Holocene and Michicant as well as lesser-known album tracks. Noticeably absent is single and my personal favourite Bon Iver song, Towers. Overlooking this travesty, the EP was recorded with the help of a number of musicians brought in by Justin, which gives a heavier, and more reverb-y sound to the album, most notably in Beth/Rest (which can be heard below).

Whilst it feels a bit cheeky for iTunes to charge a full £4.49 for something that websites such as Daytrotter offer for free (and Bon Iver's Daytrotter session is definitely worth a listen), the addition of the extra musicians, and the reworking of each song makes the EP an altogether different experience to the recorded tracks. If you're not seeing Bon Iver on any of his upcoming dates, then this EP is the closest you'll come to the live experience, and £4.49 is definitely cheaper than an ticket to Wembley Arena.