Review by Life Music Media
Photo Credit: Pete Coorey
Bon Iver have certainly come a long way since there inception only five years ago (2007) by indie folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon.

When Bon Iver toured back in 2009, they also played at The Tivoli, Brisbane but it was just one show in a more intimate seated affair. This year, having recently won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, it was little wonder that Bon Iver commanded three sold out nights at The Tivoli to an eager crowd and not one seat to be seen.

Entering The Tivoli, the stage looked more like an Earth, Wind, & Fire setup rather than that for a indie folk band. Two drum kits, saxes, keys, violins, guitars and percussion. Accompanied by a large ensemble of musicians (8 to be exact), Justin Vernon took to the stage kicking off tonight’s set with “Perth”, the first track from 2011 album Bon Iver, Bon Iver. Weaving their way through eight songs before playing “Creature Fear” from the first album For Emma, Forever Ago.

Crowd favourites, such as “Skinny Love” and “Flume” where bolstered by sing-a-longs to “The Wolves” (Acts I and II). Closing out the night with a two song encore, the crowd had their appetites more than sated.

One thing is certain, Bon Iver live is an impressive and memorable experience. The intricacy and grandeur of his songs delivered so masterfully and complimented so beautifully by Vernons gut-wrenching falsetto voice, it would be almost impossible to fault their performance.

Photo Gallery: Bon Iver @ The Tivoli, Brisbane – 16th March 2012