Wild Hunt Dead Oceans ***

It's a pity that so many can't get beyond Kristian Mattson's one-in-a-billion voice, because this is a singer-songwriter who has much to offer. On his second album, the Swede with the gravelly voice and magnetic turn of phrase continues his readings (or plunderings) from the American folk and blues songbooks. As you'd expect from a man who appears to have learned his trade from Harry Smith's evergreen anthology, Mattson's methods rarely deviate from nimble guitar- picking, wordy lyrics and enthralling narratives. Yet, as is the case with any folk-slinger worth their weight in alliteration, his songs are tough, twisty and truculent enough to hold your attention. While much here was covered on his Shallow Gravedebut, there are enough hints and hues to indicate that Mattson is unlikely to end up stuck in some cul-de-sac in Mobile with the Memphis blues again.

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Download tracks:King of Spain, Troubles Will Be Gone