Kristian Mattson – certainly more recognizable under his chosen pseudonym, The Tallest Man On Earth – has recently released his second full-length record. Aptly entitled The Wild Hunt, Mattson's sophomore effort bridles with the familiar sounds and sentiments of American folk music as he has chosen to remain true to the musical palette of his previous recordings. From start to finish, The Wild Hunt feels effortlessly authentic, with the songs seeming to exist outside of much of the contemporary formulations of American folk music. Much like his first album, Shallow Grave, the album is a collection of ten songs with minimalist arrangements, placing Mattson's gravelly vocals and awesome guitar skills at the forefront of the listening experience. More specifically, Mattson's abilities in the area of guitar picking, as demonstrated on such songs as "A Lion's Heart" and (personal favourite) "Love is All", are especially impressive.
As a whole, The Wild Hunt has a much more exuberant feel than its predecessor. With his characteristically energetic strumming patterns, songs like "The King of Spain" and "The Wild Hunt" burst with a playfulness that will surely leave listeners tapping their toes and nodding their heads. Also, given the hefty touring schedule of the past few years, Mattson's vocal range has improved demonstrably. From the outset of the album, which opens with the title track, one hears Mattson cheerily ending his intriguingly lyrical phrases with playful flourishes of his voice. Clearly, he has grown into a confident and exciting performer, as well as a consistent writer of emotive, melodic folk songs. The entire project has the feel of one of those soft, still evenings in mid-Spring where you find yourself walking, all alone, down some dirt road of back-country anywhere; sweetheart on your mind, sigh in your throat, and a gentle nostalgic feeling swelling up from the bottom of your chest.
Love Is All - The Tallest Man On Earth
The Wild Hunt - The Tallest Man On Earth
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