Folk music filled with emotion delivering a strong message
Dark Bird is Home emulates The Tallest Man on Earth’s way with emotions, those that are sometimes stereotyped to be the center of the indie folk genre. The Swedish singer-songwriter behind The Tallest Man on Earth, Kristian Matsson, has carefully crafted tracks that talk about the human condition and moments of discovery. Dark Bird is Home is his fourth album.
The slow strumming of a banjo introduces “Field of Our Home,” the first track of the album. It has undertones of hope and regret. With lyrics like, “What if we never see through crying tomorrows,” you get a negative vibe from this song. It is not such a good segue into an entire LP, but then again this seems to be the musician’s shtick. From the soft strumming of a guitar to rising soft sounds that serve as the backdrop help deliver each song’s message.
“Slow Dance” is a departure from the angst on the majority of Dark Bird is Home. One could say Matsson is using his own experience as a traveler or visitor to explain what it feels like trying to connect with others. This song seems to perfectly capture a person’s transition from a dark point in life to lifting themselves up and out of it. “Sagres” has an uplifting beat, but as you keep listening to it you hear him talk about sadness, shadows and doubt. It is contradictory to what the melody in the background makes you feel.
The Tallest Man on Earth’s vocals help deepen the overall tone and message behind each song. The softness and changes in pitch hit all the right notes. Dark Bird is Home is ten different songs that all tap into emotions that you have felt at some point. The album captures those moments of emotional loss with brutal honesty. Through his music, The Tallest Man on Earth is able to connect with his listeners in more ways than just sound.
Leave a Comment