Blood Bank [EP]
by Bon Iver
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 74
  3. Negative: 1 out of 74

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 7, 2021
    6
    a fine appendix to the Bon Iver story, so far, and in its subdued elegance, the title track has all the emotional generosity of giving blood, tinged with the awareness of mortality
  2. Ricko
    Jun 13, 2020
    8
    Listening to this 10 years on, it's a nice mix of where Bon Iver were and where the sound would go and fits in better with the whole back catalog now than it did at the time, as a direct follow to the incredible "For Emma, Forever Ago". The ambience and folk are nicely blended with hints of folktronica coming in. The additional live versions of the original 4 tracks makes this even moreListening to this 10 years on, it's a nice mix of where Bon Iver were and where the sound would go and fits in better with the whole back catalog now than it did at the time, as a direct follow to the incredible "For Emma, Forever Ago". The ambience and folk are nicely blended with hints of folktronica coming in. The additional live versions of the original 4 tracks makes this even more appealing, especially for those who may have missed the physical version first time around.… Expand
  3. ellisfetus
    May 30, 2015
    9
    A much warmer offering than For Emma, Forever Ago, it's four songs are soulful and evoke incredible emotions. A fitting follow up to Bon Iver's debut album.
  4. godwinkent888
    Jun 15, 2014
    8
    Still good. I loved the uniqueness of "Woods". I loved that track. Probably a bit too short for my liking, but it still has the intimacy and charm from For Emma, Forever Ago. Love it.
  5. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest and moving EP's released during the last decade.
  6. vmd1020
    Jun 2, 2011
    10
    I honestly don't know why this EP wasn't received nearly as well as For Emma, its basically the b-sides and you can tell (which is a good thing). "Blood Bank", the track, is extremely strong and "Babys" is haunting beautiful. With "Woods", Vernon stepped out of his expected sound and made a masterpiece of a song (personally, I think this track may have inspired James Blake a bit).
  7. JJDraper
    Jan 31, 2009
    9
    This is a beautiful hint at what is to come from his full upcoming album. As bleak and devastatingly heart-warming as his prior work, it is also a definite step towards something new. As for the comment about Blood Bank sounding like Coldplay...look at the lyrics, the incredible building anxiety and wonder at the end and compare that to any of the thoughtless, pretentious noise of Chris This is a beautiful hint at what is to come from his full upcoming album. As bleak and devastatingly heart-warming as his prior work, it is also a definite step towards something new. As for the comment about Blood Bank sounding like Coldplay...look at the lyrics, the incredible building anxiety and wonder at the end and compare that to any of the thoughtless, pretentious noise of Chris Martin and co. Disgrace!… Expand
  8. BrianM
    Jan 26, 2009
    9
    I can't believe this got the reviews that it did. This was a really good EP to hold me over until Bon Iver's next album. I love all the songs, except Babies (which is still good, but not great). I can see it being a very good transition point for the band with its branching out a little and exploring more ideas than the isolation mood in For Emma. Some of the reviews on here I can't believe this got the reviews that it did. This was a really good EP to hold me over until Bon Iver's next album. I love all the songs, except Babies (which is still good, but not great). I can see it being a very good transition point for the band with its branching out a little and exploring more ideas than the isolation mood in For Emma. Some of the reviews on here seem to think that straying away from the last album's feeling is a bad thing, but i think that this EP just proved them wrong.… Expand
  9. simonf
    Jan 25, 2009
    8
    Show's the beauty Vernon can make, but it feels less motivated than its predecessor.
  10. MarlonZ
    Jan 22, 2009
    9
    Beautifully constructed and astoundingly performed. Every bit as good as "For Emma, Forever Ago".
  11. aArONM
    Jan 22, 2009
    9
    Great EP. Bon Iver is silently moving through the shadows of the industry. HIs last album, "For Emma, Forever Ago" was amazing. This album brings joy to my patience of an album release soon. Another great to come!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Recorded over a couple years and in various locations, the EP sounds like outtakes from "Emma," but not in a bad way.
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  2. cokemachineglow
    67
    Essentially, Blood Bank is one pretty song--the titular, opening track settling somewhere close to what Damien Jurado’s doing these days--and two similarly pretty experiments in stretching Bon Iver’s sound.
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    The Blood Bank EP is a fine appendix to the Bon Iver story, so far, and in its subdued elegance, the title track has all the emotional generosity of giving blood, tinged with the awareness of mortality.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »