If you’re looking for a religious experience that’s so intertwined with the music of Bon Iver, the latest Justin Vernon project may leave you with a quaint summer-night philosophical pessimism that is How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last? Yes, it is a sad boi album (why else would I review this album?) that leaves you with a Hollywood ending rather than the typical Justin Vernon gut-wrenching Oscar Drama. But, in all seriousness, the album is better than good and packed with arguably more talent than Donda (I jest – sort of…). Songs include contributions from Taylor Swift (2 features), Fleet Foxes, Ben Howard, Anais Mitchell (3 features – and whose previous album Hadestown inspired the Tony-winning play), plus many more.
I’m sure many of you are wondering: who is Big Red Machine? Well, they're far from a star-studded 70s lineup from Kentucky/Cincinnati’s favorite baseball team. Although, there is an ode to Pete Rose and being ‘over the Rhine’ in the album’s song "Ghost of Cincinnati". The group is named after co-founder Aaron Dessner's birth year and location. The band, composed of just Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner formed after Dessner sent Vernon a message over Myspace (feel old yet?). But, more impressively, it’s a band composed of two frontmen for two influential bands: The National & Bon Iver.
And you may be thinking, “ok, impressive resume, who tf are these guys?” I hear you – go read their Wikipedia page. I’m here to tell you why to listen to the album. It’s the perfect Fall piece. It captures a moment and feeling. The moment of taking a step back and being susceptible to an album that welcomes you to listen rather than demands you to listen. It’s perfect for fall driving through autumn leaves or under an ever-earlier night sky. Everything flows together. It’s nice.
My only qualm with the album comes with the feeling that no chances were taken. Dessner and Vernon were having fun and created something unique. But the album runs together on one long note. I get the feeling they weren’t challenging each other as artists. Rather, they were vibing with a couple other musicians in a niche sound. Tracks are lost, features with stars are lost amongst the overall ambiguity of listening to the philosophical lyrics. And this is by no means a critique of the album's overall feel and mood. I love it. But, the album is one-note and one act of what’s length should be a three-act masterpiece.
Overall, it is worth a contemplative listen if you have an hour. My sad boi self will be listening many more times. But like Calipari’s Cats, one and done will be good for many of you.
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How'd you enjoy Big Red Machine's latest masterpiece? What plans do you have for the Fall? :) Sound off below in the comment section or holler at us on Twitter!
- Botts
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