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8.5
76051
8.5 |
Paste Magazine
As charismatic as Matsson’s Tallest Man on Earth has become over the last decade, he’s showing even more signs of timelessness as the fruits of his craft ripen
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8.0
76043
8.0 |
Exclaim
An arresting song cycle that reveals a three-dimensional version of the modern folk singer
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8.0
75813
8.0 |
The 405
Surprisingly, for an album with such tempestuous subject matters, it feels far from bleak, which is testament to Matsson's skill as a songwriter
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8.0
75861
8.0 |
Q
While these songs still have Matsson's trademark melancholy at heart, there is a new kind of gladness and hope to them too. Print edition only
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8.0
75881
8.0 |
Drowned In Sound
The melancholy of this set of songs is curiously emphasised and eased by their frequently playful, expansive arrangements
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8.0
75898
8.0 |
The Guardian
A sumptuous drivetime cocoon of soft rock
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8.0
75977
8.0 |
PopMatters
This is a triumphant and very adult summer record
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7.8
80333
7.8 |
Earbuddy
Another album from songwriter Kristian Matsson that feels as if it was lifted from the earth
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7.5
75980
7.5 |
Under The Radar
It proves Matsson is not only a consistently solid musician, but also one with an evolving sound, a man willing to try new things and expand his repertoire
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7.5
76007
7.5 |
Pretty Much Amazing
His vocals throughout are roughspun, but can be wonderful, subtle and nuanced
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7.5
75812
7.5 |
Consequence Of Sound
This is The Tallest Man on Earth’s darkest album yet, but it pushes forward with the unbending optimism found in backyard barns and modest countrysides
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7.4
75985
7.4 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
It’s the perfect encapsulation of a particularly troubled time in its creator’s life
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7.0
76037
7.0 |
Slant Magazine
The darkness and ambivalence that haunt its shadows give the album depth and longevity well beyond its something-for-everyone first impression
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7.0
75814
7.0 |
The Music
It’s not his best work, but it’s certainly the easiest one to listen to
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7.0
76215
7.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Self-discovery represents the goal and the uncertainty on Dark Bird Is Home. His songs are "mirrors", Matsson sings, but not necessarily good ones
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7.0
75993
7.0 |
All Music
This more polished and tuneful exercise in modern-day folk-rock is effective and engaging music that speaks from the heart and soul.
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7.0
76073
7.0 |
No Ripcord
An improvement over the Tallest Man on Earth’s previous effort, as it breaks out of his established musical palette just when it began to feel as if he had nothing else to offer
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6.7
75989
6.7 |
A.V. Club
Dark Bird Is Home is melodically rich and emotionally resonant, even when some moments argue that bigger isn’t necessarily better
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6.7
75947
6.7 |
Pitchfork
He flits between our reality and his own, a world of only dreamers and travelers, flickering lights of towns, shadows and ghosts, birds and trees
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6.5
76086
6.5 |
Beardfood
Most things that made Kristian special are gone, but he can still write a good song
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6.0
78472
6.0 |
NOW
Matsson keeps things simple rather than making easy moves toward a grandeur that could bury his songcraft
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6.0
75955
6.0 |
DIY
For all his wayfaring tendencies, it’s refreshing to hear an album from Mattson that feels as though he’s found solace in something or someone, and the richer instrumentation never compromises the album’s overall sense of intimacy
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6.0
75984
6.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Isn’t so much a daring reinvention as it is a necessary step forward
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6.0
75900
6.0 |
The Irish Times
His acoustic ballads are good, but Matsson is at his best when sidestepping folk tradition and drawing on a bigger, fuller sound
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6.0
75862
6.0 |
Mojo
Mattson’s most purely enjoyable release in several years. Print edition only
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4.0
75811
4.0 |
The Skinny
That first album had it right: Mattson really needs no more than his voice and guitar to prove himself
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