Rocket Ride with The Still Tide
On Thursday, April 17th, in Iowa City the Englert Theater was filled with an undeniable energy, a palpable sense of anticipation that crackled through the historic venue. From the moment the opening band, The Still Tide, took the stage, it was clear the audience was in for a special night.
The Still Tide, a duo comprised of former Tallest Man on Earth guitar tech Anna Morsett and Joe Richmond, delivered a captivating performance. Richmond’s mastery of his homemade synthesizer created mesmerizing soundscapes, a perfect complement to Morsett’s soaring vocals and evocative lyrics.
Their set was a true “rocketship ride,” a dynamic journey that left the crowd buzzing with excitement. As a member of Bell & Field, I found myself particularly drawn to The Still Tide’s stage presence. Their ability to command attention and create such a powerful atmosphere is precisely the kind of energy our band strives to emulate at our own shows.
Dancing Just Above the Earth
But the night, of course, belonged to Kristian Matsson, the Swedish singer-songwriter known to the world as The Tallest Man on Earth. Born on April 30, 1983, in Leksand, Sweden, Matsson began his solo career in 2006. Before that, he was the lead singer of the indie band Montezumas. His music, often drawing comparisons to Bob Dylan, is characterized by its raw emotion, intricate guitar work, and poetic lyricism.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing The Tallest Man on Earth perform in Iowa City before, an experience that remains etched in my memory as the single greatest solo performance I have ever witnessed. Matsson is a self-proclaimed “hyperactive soul,” and this energy translates directly into his stage presence. He doesn’t merely stand and deliver his songs; he dances, he glides, he becomes one with the music. He implores the audience to join him, to connect with him, and to immerse themselves in the stories he weaves through his music.
And what stories they are. Matsson’s lyrics are like a child finger-painting their deepest emotions, expressed in bold slashes and delicate swirls. He has a remarkable ability to create entire galaxies with his words, vast and intricate worlds built from personal experiences and profound observations. His mastery of open tunings on his guitars contributes to this sonic tapestry, providing both sustain and unique tonal colors that add depth and texture to his compositions. It’s also worth noting the impressive array of guitars Matsson employs, many of them vintage instruments, each adding its own character to the sound. He also showcased his versatility with a couple of songs on the banjo and a beautiful rendition of “Henry St.” on the piano.
One of the true highlights of the evening was Matsson’s heartfelt introduction to the song “Major League.” He recounted his childhood experience of seeing the movie Major League and how it sparked an immediate desire to play baseball. He wryly noted that while baseball does exist in Sweden, “it’s just not very good,” delivering the line with his signature self-deprecating humor. Another standout moment was his stunning rendition of Adele’s “When We Were Young.” The emotional outpouring from Matsson resonated deeply with the Englert audience, a shared acknowledgment of “the strange and mean times we are living in,” as he poignantly observed. In that moment, the music transcended mere entertainment; it became a powerful source of connection, offering a much-needed sense of community.
The Setlist:
Fields of Our Home
This Wind
Every Little Heart
1904
Looking for Love
Into the Stream
Major League
I Won’t Be Found
The Gardener
The Dreamer (w/ Anna Morsett)
Deep Within
Like the Wheel
Love Is All
Henry St.
Revelation Blues
Rivers
King of Spain
When We Were Young
Kids on the Run
The Tallest Man on Earth’s performance at The Englert Theatre was more than just a concert; it was an experience. It was a reminder of the power of music to connect us, to heal us, and to transport us to other worlds.
