The Tallest Man on Earth
Music Release
The Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt is the second album by Swedish folk musician, The Tallest Man on Earth, aka Kristian Matsson. With folk music becoming more mainstream of late, but not all those associated with this tag getting to the heart of this musical genre, it’s a pleasure listening to an album like The Wild Hunt which achieves this so well. In just over 35 minutes Matsson manages to pack in an unprecedented amount of emotion and imagery without indulging in overly lengthy ballads to make his music appear more complicated.
His lyrics work when listened to as part of the album’s over all craftsmanship but also when read alone given how poetic they are. Although quotes could be taken from each and every track, particular highlights include Love is All in which Matsson as he often does during the album incorporates imagery of the environment, “I walk upon the river like it’s easier than land/Evil’s in my pocket and your will is in my hand” and the vivid setting established by the line, “Rumor has it I wasn’t born/ I just walked in one frosty morn”, from the simple guitar ballad, Burden of Tomorrow.
The simple guitar heard on Burden of Tomorrow and the additional splattering of banjo and piano throughout The Wild Hunt complements Matsson's weary yet commanding vocals. Other stand-out tracks include the infectiously catchy, King of Spain and the piano track, Kids on the Run which closes the album so well.
The Wild Hunt is out now through Dead Oceans.
Review by Breda Doherty