Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon has officially announced his band’s long-awaited new album, titled SABLE, fABLE, set for release on April 11th through Jagjaguwar, marking the group’s first full-length project since their critically acclaimed 2019 album, i,i. This new record builds upon the themes introduced by last autumn's EP, SABLE, which served as the prologue to the more expansive narrative of the SABLE, fABLE album.
The upcoming album features 12 tracks and is described as having two parts. The first part, SABLE, grapples with sadness and past pain, whereas the second part, fABLE, seeks to cultivate new love and hope. "If SABLE was the prologue, then fABLE is the book—together, SABLE, fABLE is the album, and for this reason, it is no fairy tale," Vernon explained. "There may be something undeniably healing about infatuation, and the intense clarity, focus, honesty, and celebration it brings to these songs."
To celebrate the announcement, Bon Iver will release the album's lead single, titled Everything Is Peaceful Love. This track is expected to be featured as the 'Hottest Record in the World' on BBC Radio 1 at 6:30 PM GMT on February 13th, followed by its availability on streaming services worldwide on Valentine’s Day.
The music video for Everything Is Peaceful Love, directed by John Wilson—recognized for his work on HBO’s How To with John Wilson—will also premiere on the same day, highlighting the track's themes of overwhelming happiness and emotional rebirth.
Recorded primarily at Vernon’s April Base studio in Wisconsin, which had recently undergone significant renovations, SABLE, fABLE was produced jointly by Vernon and Jim-E Stack. This partnership was pivotal from the beginning of the project, which officially took shape during the winter of 2022 when Danielle Haim joined Stack at the studio. Snowed in for several days, Vernon and Haim collaborated on the duet If Only I Could Wait, which explores the struggle of being one’s best self amid the glow of new love.
The full tracklist for SABLE, fABLE is as follows:
- Things Behind Things Behind Things
- S P E Y S I D E
- Awards Season
- Short Story
- Everything Is Peaceful Love
- Walk Home
- Day One (feat. Dijon and Flock of Dimes)
- From
- I’ll Be There
- If Only I Could Wait (feat. Danielle Haim)
- There’s A Rhythmn
- Au Revoir
The purposely crafted narrative of SABLE, fABLE aims to guide listeners through personal healing and the cyclical nature of love. Last year's SABLE EP, which contained three tracks—Things Behind Things Behind Things, S P E Y S I D E, and Awards Season—served as the initial chapter of this overarching story.
Vernon's exploration of love's highs and lows reflects significant growth since the release of i,i, culminating the themes from his four previous albums, all bound by the cycles of seasons and emotional landscapes. Critics have noted the intriguing transition to lyrical honesty and authenticity, abandoning the denser textures of earlier works for clarity.
Fans can look forward to more discussions about the album as Vernon is scheduled to appear at the On Air Festival alongside Krista Tippett on February 21st. There he plans to explore the inspirations and motifs behind SABLE, fABLE. With the anticipation building leading up to the release, Bon Iver’s unique sound and artistry promise to leave listeners with both reflective and hopeful narratives.