THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH - The Wild Hunt

For a record that is so free of frills, it makes sense that a review of it should follow suit. Kristian Matsson is a Swedish singer/songwriter who has made a record of ten direct and really terrific songs. There's barely anything beyond a voice and an acoustic guitar throughout—only the closer, "Kids On The Run", switches things up by using a piano, and that's hardly an offspeed pitch. The Wild Hunt really comes down to the quality of what Matsson is selling. He's a compelling vocalist of limited tools, but generous expressiveness and energy. All of these ten tunes find ways to quickly make your acquaintance without ever resorting to tricks (save an attention-grabbing swear word or two in "You're Going Back"). It's folk music that feels current rather than retro, and it's one great little album.