The Wild Hunt
Kristian Matsson · 2010
34 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Haunting melodies and intricate fingerpicking intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vivid tapestry of solitude and yearning.
Top tracks — play these first
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King of Spain — This track blends whimsical storytelling with poignant reflections on identity and belonging, making it a standout representation of Matsson's lyrical depth.
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Love Is All — With its uplifting melody and heartfelt sentiments, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of love and connection amidst life's uncertainties.
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Burden of Tomorrow — This track's somber tone paired with vivid imagery highlights Matsson's ability to convey existential themes through simple yet evocative language.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate fingerpicking and layered vocals that create an emotionally resonant experience.
What we noticed
- Many tracks feature a consistent use of layered vocals, where harmonies build gradually, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several songs incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as moving from quiet verses to more intense choruses, creating a sense of ebb and flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective storytelling moments
- short, reflective listening sessions
- gentle, soothing background ambiance
- evocative imagery and themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Wild Hunt is Kristian Matsson's second studio album, released after his debut in 2008. This album marked a significant step in his career, expanding his audience and establishing him as a prominent figure in the indie folk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Lion’s Heart
The narrative shifts from introspection to a call for courage, emphasizing resilience against adversity without directly naming the struggles faced.
By invoking the metaphor of a lion's heart, the writing creates an empowering image that contrasts vulnerability with strength, deepening the emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Wild Hunt 3:21
- 2 Burden of Tomorrow 3:33
- 3 Troubles Will Be Gone 3:01
- 4 You’re Going Back 3:04
- 5 The Drying of the Lawns 2:57
- 6 King of Spain 3:26
- 7 Love Is All 4:15
- 8 Thousand Ways 2:53
- 9 A Lion’s Heart 3:15
- 10 Kids on the Run 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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