‘Tallest Man On Earth’ Artist Review

It must be hard not to feel intimated when the biggest selling folk musician of all time, Bob Dylan, is still making music in the same genre as you. You could be forgiven for being passively cast in to a career performing in his shadow, after all, how do you compete with a man with a back catalogue of over forty albums, and a host of prestigious awards and critical acclaim?

However, ‘Tallest Man On Earth’ has an edge and appeal beyond just becoming another folk singer/song writer, proving he is capable of casting shadows himself.

Born in Dalarna, Sweden, real name Kristian Matsson, he exudes a collective of acoustic/folk/blues pursued with a husky murmur curiously pleasing to the ear, guitar riffs and chord sequences written to float on the lightest of summer breeze, and thought provoking lyrical content.

He spins yarns on relationships, lifestyles and passers by with attentive curiosity and throat lumping heart.

His fusion of originality whilst lending hand to music of old makes for an exciting yet familiar discern.

With an ever-growing arsenal of songs spread across two EP’s and two studio albums he has plenty of material to sink your teeth into.

Starting with a self-titled EP in 2006 and flowing effortlessly into debut album ‘Shallow Grave’ 2008 he starts with intent and gathers an army of fans and admirers along the way.

Early 2010 gave us his second album ‘The Wild Hunt’ and his newest EP ‘Sometimes the Blues Is Just A Passing Bird’ was released at the end of 2010.

 ‘Tallest Man On Earth’ is an artist gathering momentum, recently playing new single ‘King Of Spain’ on ‘Later…with Jools Holland’.

My conclusion is simple, don’t be left behind wandering what you’ve missed when Kristian Matsson is on his 40^th + album, and gaining critical acclaim only hall of fame members are worthy of captivating.

For more videos of 'Tallest Man On Earth' see the tool bar below.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club LIVE Bristol O2 Arena Friday 10th Dec 2010

Better late than never, better there than not!

For anyone who owns a bands back catalogue, covers their tracks live or generally adores their every creation.

An opportunity to see said band is a more than welcomed one, especially in the South West.

Even from the outset, approaching the venue, the tingling anticipation caused by the arrival of the San Francisco born, L.A. based band was apparent in every one's stomach.

The flock of fans followed the standard gig protocol, tickets punched, coats checked and jager-bombs hatched..it was time for chaos. 

I wont fabricate, I've seen busier venues, but as the lights suitably dimmed fans pored front and forth in frantic fashion.

Appearing from a collage of smoke and blinding white spot lights, drenched in leather and black hooded attire hailed Robert Hayes,Peter Been and new addition on drums Leah Shapiro.

Starting with 'Red Eyes and Tears' an instant crowd pleasing head bop, followed by 'Weapon Of Choice' 'Whatever Happened To My Rock and Roll'

'Spread Your Love' and new anthem 'Beat The Devils Tattoo' it was a constant barrage of dirty riffs and emphatic choruses.

The mood of awe and anticipation spread like wild fire across the three thousand strong audience and they didn't disappoint.

After the onslaught was over the inevitable encore was just as breath taking.

Instead this time opting for the thought provoking sounds familiar on 'Howl' and choosing an organ and acoustic guitar instead of distorted bass and electric guitar to serenade the crowd.

They played their way through an assortment of old and new songs, binding the crowd in admiration of the multi dimensional talents on show...

albeit if at one point Robert Hayes did forget an opening key sequence to a song from the organ, simply stating. 

"There were no robots used in the making of this song" It gave a reachable, human edge to an otherwise super natural experience.

Check out the video bar for live footage!