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Dark Bird Is Home
by
Dark Bird Is Home Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the fourth full-length release for the Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson.
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Top Track

Little Nowhere Towns
"This is what I can believe" Is what I said to my friend "And I can recall "I must have been pretty gone When I went through these towns Like a... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Paste Magazine
    May 12, 2015
    85
    Dark Bird is a devastatingly personal listen, much more so than his stripped-down efforts.
  2. The Guardian
    May 7, 2015
    80
    Dark Bird is lovely as it is.
  3. Exclaim
    May 12, 2015
    80
    An arresting song cycle that reveals a three-dimensional version of the modern folk singer.
  4. Under The Radar
    May 6, 2015
    75
    Though Matsson more often sings solo, both on this album and throughout his discography, the supporting vocals add a new layer to his work, elevating it to a level he hadn't previously hit. [Apr-May 2015, p.86]
  5. Magnet
    Jun 4, 2015
    70
    More restrained and tasteful. [No. 120, p.61]
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  6. AllMusic
    May 12, 2015
    70
    This more polished and tuneful exercise in modern-day folk-rock is effective and engaging music that speaks from the heart and soul.
  7. DIY Magazine
    May 11, 2015
    60
    For all his wayfaring tendencies, it’s refreshing to hear an album from Mattson that feels as though he’s found solace in something or someone, and the richer instrumentation never compromises the album’s overall sense of intimacy.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. HelloimSvend
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    When I saw this album were released I had already heard the two singles he released earlier this year. But the whole story and connectionWhen I saw this album were released I had already heard the two singles he released earlier this year. But the whole story and connection through the album is amazing and there is songs about sadness, happiness and despair. All in this album. If you haven't listened to it yet please do it. You'll love it.… Expand
  2. BrainAndSoul
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    Strange voice, strange style, strange meaning of songs.
    "How can he find fans?" - I asked myself.
    "Why have been I listening this for our,    Strange voice, strange style, strange meaning of songs.
    "How can he find fans?" - I asked myself.
    "Why have been I listening this for our, drinking my daily dose of tea?" - I asked myself some time later.

    And I still don't know how to answer this questions - but he has something    … Expand
  4. agoverningfrost
    Jul 26, 2015
    8
    Dark Bird Is Home is the obvious, yet not easy to accept transition from Matsson's previous recordings. It's clear that production wasDark Bird Is Home is the obvious, yet not easy to accept transition from Matsson's previous recordings. It's clear that production was completely different and the writing was more thorough. But Matsson's skills as a guitarist and lyricist have not lost their touch, making this record, at times, even more captivating than The Wild Hunt.… Expand
  5. GSWstatic
    Feb 23, 2022
    8
    How do you follow up on the best work of your musical life? well in TOME's own words by finally taking a break from work only to get devoicedHow do you follow up on the best work of your musical life? well in TOME's own words by finally taking a break from work only to get devoiced and make music as a way to cope. ah yes, it's one of those records breakup songs with hints at new romances. There's such skill on display but on every level, there's something at odds with itself. TOME formed a band to round out his sound to record and tour this set of songs. the results are mixed tracks like Timothy fire all guns and feel like a band playing enjoying themselves but other tracks like Darkness of a dream or felids of our home are overproduced. sometimes I don't like the mix of these tracks at all. a rough gem finished with a layer of thick gloss. It added layers of depth and unexpected joyful warmth a painful reminder that everything changes… Expand
  6. ElroyRosenberg
    Jun 13, 2015
    7
    Just some absolutely beautiful songs on this record. Mattson is a quietly brilliant singer-songwriter. He comes up with some really catchy,Just some absolutely beautiful songs on this record. Mattson is a quietly brilliant singer-songwriter. He comes up with some really catchy, quiet tunes on this record, and a lot of it is quite resonant. I recommend.… Expand

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