Acclaimed indie folk act Bon Iver started out as a literal one-man band, when singer-songwriter Justin Vernon left his previous band DeYarmond Edison and was dealing with personal and health issues. He recorded the first Bon Iver album essentially by himself in a secluded cabin, only giving it an official release after garnering attention and praise online. Since then, Bon Iver has grown into a full-fledged group, with Vernon joined by a rotating group of musicians, including drummer and keyboardist Sean Carey, who’s been performing with him since early live shows.
The band’s latest release is 2016’s ambitious 22, A Million, a dense and challenging work that is Bon Iver’s most acclaimed and commercially successful album to date. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard album charts and was nominated for two Grammys, and made it onto lists of the best albums of 2016 from outlets including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and NPR. The album’s electronic-heavy sound, a departure from Vernon’s early hushed folk music, is augmented by immersive visuals onstage, with Vernon joined by a team of musicians to replicate his intricate studio sound. What began as a one-man band has become a complex, intricate team effort.
Hard Rock Hotel, 8 p.m. April 13, starting at $40.50 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849
