Swedish folk musician Kristian Matsson obviously isn't the tallest man on earth, but his sophomore LP The Wild Hunt sure shows true integrity of pure monumental height. It's just him and his guitar, with the inclusion of some banjo notes and the last track "Kids On the Run" which is a piano ballad.
When making a comparison Matsson is obviously taking roots from good old Bob Dylan, but Matsson take's his tracks farther. The intense hallow feeling of raw, down-to-earth vocals pierce you with such tenacity. Obviously rough and raspy voice isn't the most pleasant thing to listen to, his lyrics make up for it so well.
Indeed, the lyrics of The Wild Hunt tell epic poetry and touching stories. It is very ideal to print off a copy of The Wild Hunt's lyrics. Here's just a taste:
"And I wear my boots of Spanish leather/Oh while I'm tightening my crown/I'll disappear in some flamenco/Perhaps I'll reach the other side"
That's from the highlight track of the album, "King of Spain", the very fast and ambitious flamenco influenced track.
Matsson sings of the winding skeptics of love ("King of Spain") and tragic heartbreaks ("Kids On the Run"). I can't find a single track on this LP that doesn't please me with the lyrics. But musically some songs are lacking, especially on "The Drying On the Lawn" the guitar work isn't pleasing, it feels out of place compared to the rest of the album.
Overall, The Wild Hunt is a definite key LP for modern folk. It's down-to-earth, gritty and just plain revealing. Kristian Matsson's spirituality is like the tallest man on earth's stature.
Overal: 8.3/10
Track Listing:
1. The Wild Hunt - 8.5 *
2. Burden of Tomorrow - 8.5
3. Troubles Will Be Gone - 8.0
4. You're Going Back - 8.0
5. You're Drying of the Lawn - 8.0
6. King of Spain - 9.5 *
7. Love Is All - 8.0
8. Thousand Ways - 7.5
9. A Lion's Heart - 8.5 *
10. Kids On the Run - 9.0 *
* - Notable Track
Sample:
"King of Spain"
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