Bon Iver at the Big Top, Galway

High expectations were simulataneously met and exceeded as Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver played emotionally to an emotional crowd on Thursday last.

A former native of Galway and apparently a former Vodafone employee this was an odd sort of homecoming for the man who hit big with the raw, honest melodies and harmonies of debut album For Emma, Forever Ago.

A fine performance from Alela Diane set the standard for the evening with great performances of songs such as White As Diamonds, To Be Still and My Brambles.

Opening with Flume the main attraction instantly reminded everyone why they were really here. Acoustic largely remained unplayed as the myth that Bon Iver is one guy was quickly dispelled and the surprise element of two drummers added dramatically to the overall power of the music.

Electric guitars, effects and harmonies were the key with an extremely upbeat version of Creature Fear raising the overall heartrate of the adoring crowd. When an acoustic did raise its head, most notably for Skinny Love, it made it all the more special.

With only one album and one e.p. to their name so far the band are not overly-stocked when it comes to a back catalogue but, with only Blindsided not making it into the setlist, the overall quality of my own personal album of the year for 2008 really shines through and the addition of all tracks from the Blood Bank EP with a Yo La Tengo cover (Feel Like Going Home) filled up the time nicely.

An encore of The Wolves sent everyone home singing with fingers crossed for a late announcement from the Electric Picnic organisers to add Bon Iver to their fast approaching boutique festival