First Impressions: The Tallest Man On Earth

The Tallest Man On Earth

The Wild Hunt

Dead Oceans

Release Date: April 13

 

Track Listing:

1. The Wild Hunt

2. Burden of Tomorrow

3. Troubles Will be Gone

4. You're Going Back

5. The Drying of the Lawns

6. King of Spain

7. Love is All

8. Thousand Ways

9. A Lion's Heart

10. Kids on the Run

 

First Impressions:

-The Wild Hunt is the highly anticipated sophomore album from Swedish folk singer-songwriter, Kristian Matsson a.k.a. The Tallest Man on Earth.

 

-The album opens with the mesmerizing title track, ‘The Wild Hunt,’ which begins with an inviting melody from a lone acoustic guitar, sounding just like a hearty folk song should. The guitar is soon pushed aside by Matsson’s powerful, and quite unique, oak-aged vocals - really setting the tone for the rest of the album – honest musical goodness, from one man and his guitar.

 

-Next comes the toe-tapper, ‘Burden of Tomorrow.’ This is a beautiful track, with a flowing and engaging melody. It would, of course, be difficult to listen to this album without recalling the sound of early Bob Dylan. We’ve all heard somebody (sigh) being hailed as ‘the next Bob Dylan,’ and while Matsson might be growing tired of this comparison, it seems that he might just have that effortless ‘B.D. factor.’ Sure, it sounds a bit like Dylan, but it’s not tacky or try-hard - Kristian Matsson has a natural flow, and despite this comparison, still magages to project his own personality and unique sound throughout the album.

 

-‘The King of Spain’ is a cheery track - full of rich guitars, with a clever political edge - now sounding more like straight up acoustic rock. And later comes the more passionate number, ‘A Lion’s Heart,’ which Matsson gracefully executes, as he sings, “Well there’s no real goodbye if you mean it / so I guess I’m forever alone.”

 

-The final track “Kids on the Run,” is another carefully crafted number. Here, a piano is introduced for the first and the last time. Thought provoking and soul-soothing, it provides a reflective end to the album, neatly mirroring what you’ve just heard.

 

Key Tracks:

“The Wild Hunt, “Burden Of Tomorrow,” “King Of Spain.” “A Lion’s Heart”

 

Predictions:

Since his stunning 2008 debut, Shallow Grave, The Tallest Man on Earth has made no big changes to his sound, but, he doesn’t need to - the album provides 10 tracks, 10 melodies, and 10 flawless songs – there is no obvious weak spot. Lyrically, Matsson keeps things straightforward and basic, without sacrificing wit. Hopefully, The Tallest Man on Earth will outgrow the Bob Dylan comparisons and go on to form his own cornerstone in 21st century folk.