finally a uk release of the debut album on dead oceans. this album is loved by everyone from pitchfork to the guardian and were the band of the weekend at end of the road festival. sweden's kristian matsson is the tallest man on earth, a finger-picking virtuoso who plays inspired dylan-esque folk songs. matsson's unique, crackling voice, lyrical imagery and complex guitar work puts him head and shoulders above the genre's current mainstays, delving into a nostalgic and timeless sound. the songs here convey a feeling of weather-beaten discovery, where runaways and wanderers trace highways and open plains. accompanied solely his acoustic guitar, matsson bellows out his serpentine verses with great passion, especially on highlights 'i won't be found' and 'where do my bluebirds fly?'. the sparse yet intimate musicianship reinforces this album's singular vision, drawing you into a darting stream of consciousness. fans of dylan, will oldham and neutral milk hotel should take note of this release, as it seems to possess that strange magical quality that hides within eccentric, wonder-struck personalities.