Maddie Walters
Staff Writer
After listening to the first album released by Swedish artist The Tallest Man on Earth, I felt the world shift beneath my feet. Shallow Grave quite literally rocked my world and the latest addition, The Wild Hunt, is no exception.
Such talent is hard to come by when all the awards are doled out to artists with the most expensive recording studios and the best labels. Perhaps this is why The Tallest Man on Earth (Kristian Matsson) has quickly risen as one of my favorite artists. His honest and metaphorical lyrics are a breath of fresh air in a world filled with catchy rhymes and beats.
In his first album, Shallow Graves, Matsson explored the depths of his talent with his strangely scratchy crooning accompanied by an acoustic guitar and open lyrics. As with most second albums, while TMoE fans will not be disappointed, the change of labels (with his current record label Dead Ocean) affected his product. In The Wild Hunt, more instruments are introduced to the tracks, such as the piano present in “Kids on the Run.”
However, this change is one that was readily welcomed by fans and critiques. While his first album received an 8.3 rating on Pitchfork.com, The Wild Hunt received an 8.5 and the title of “Best New Music,” a title rarely bestowed on Pitchfork.
In addition to instruments, Matsson has included some personal songs on this album as evidenced through his lyrics and testimonies on their behalf. For example, while attending his concert in early May, Matsson informed the crowd that the song ‘You’re Going Back’ is about his best friend. Also “Love is All” appears to have some personal ties.
The tracks only add to the love Matsson has instilled in his fans. By opening himself to his fans, his fans only love him more – a fact that has been proved throughout decades of music. Additionally, the inclusion of emotion in his lyrics makes it easier for his songs to relate to, which, of course, gives fans an outlet for attachment.
Perhaps the best feature of Matsson’s newest album is his continued sense of self. While most beginning artists often feel the need to create a totally different product when the produce a second album, Matsson has avoided this misconception by creating the same honest, beautifully sincere songs he charmed us with the first time around.
Matsson introduced me to a side of folk I had not heard, but had always wanted to hear. While some dislike his gravelly voice, I find it charming and believe it only adds to his style of music. Seeing him in concert was truthfully one of the greatest experiences I have ever participated in and I look forward to being able to partake of it again.
I would recommend this album to those who enjoyed Shallow Graves, and for those who are looking for something new to add to their music library, especially if they are interested in folk music. Also, if you are ever presented with the opportunity to see Matsson in concert, I would highly suggest going. His stage presence and awareness of his audience make for an amazing concert experience that I feel obliged to offer a money-back guarantee on, and the same goes for his newest release, The Wild Hunt.
