The Tallest Man on Earth Daughter of Swords (Haw River Ballroom – February 26, 2022)

There’s just no other word: this show was cathartic. After two years of postponements and cancellations, Kristian Mattson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, is back on stage, and he brought everything he had. There were times when his performance evoked the title of his last album–I Love You. It’s a Fever Dream–in the best possible way.

Daughter of Swords opened the show, and she is a totally transfixing singer, often seeming transfixed, channeling a sound out of time. She holds notes, and bends them in unexpected directions. “Long Leaf Pine” was a highlight of her opening set, and the final song reminded me of Richard and Linda Thompson’s ability to say so much with a simple, telling turn of phrase. I would love to hear these songs with a full band–they have so much space and room to explore.

The Tallest Man came out and immediately charged into “The Gardener,” one of his most well-loved songs. This was perfect: he didn’t make his audience wait to hear a favorite, and he had us from there on out. He was all over the stage: spinning, jumping, falling and catching himself, kneeling, lying down, sometimes seemingly pulled by the marionette strings of his songs in one direction, then another. 

His energy bleeds into the audience–the crowd, initially seeming content to stand still and listen with not much more than a nod, started to dance. A few songs in, a fan, overbrimming with joy, shouted, “Raise your hand if this is the best!” and hands shot up high, including Kristian’s.

Although the energy was high throughout the set, including a ripping version of “1904,” the moments that made me shake my head in grateful disbelief were smaller songs, most notably “Rivers” and a gorgeous rendition of “There’s No Leaving Now” on the piano. I heard a couple of folks singing along to “Rivers” and it was all the sweeter for their voices mingling together. 

 

This was the start of a tour that brings The Tallest Man all over the country, starting in New England next week. Tour dates and tickets are here. If it’s at all unclear: go to this show. It’s special. 

Full photo gallery on our facebook page!