The Tallest Man On Earth
The Dark Bird Is Home (Dead Oceans)
Sweden's Kristian Matsson has built an impressive following from his woody, Guthrie-esque folk music under the name The Tallest Man On Earth. On his fourth album, The Dark Bird Is Home, the foundation is built on his trademark warbling voice, acoustic guitar and old-soul lyrics, only this time the production takes it up a notch, giving us moments that are more Springsteen than Seeger.
This is most apparent on the standout track "Darkness of a Dream", a lush, full band affair with melancholy synthesizers under a subtle yet reverberating piano and full-on blue collar drum beat. A similar approach is heard on "Slow Dance", a real jig of a tune, contrary to its name, in which Matsson dances with his despair with lyrics like, "I guess my rhythm grew through my darker time".
Written primarily in different locations across the globe, there is a wayfaring charm to The Dark Bird Is Home: the story of a wandering stranger taking a moment to dance in the dark, rather than running from it.
Rating:★★★1/2
