First Aid Kit | ||
| Allmusic Biography : A Swedish indie folk duo with a devoted international following, First Aid Kit blend the bright vocal harmonies and pastoral, contemplative songwriting of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg. After receiving radio play in Sweden as teenagers, they went on to chart across Europe and in the U.S. and Australia with albums such as The Lions Roar (2012) and Ruins (2018). Often accompanied by a backing band, the group has staged Leonard Cohen tribute concerts and covered other musicians including Simon & Garfunkel, R.E.M., and Kate Bush. Hailing from suburban Enskede and taking influence from the likes of Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom, the Söderberg siblings began composing songs as young teenagers in 2007. The home-recorded "Tangerine" enjoyed airplay on Swedish radio later that summer, and the debut EP Drunken Trees helped expand the girls audience upon its release in April 2008. The London-based Wichita Records reissued Drunken Trees one year later, bolstering its track list with a reverent Fleet Foxes cover and three additional songs performed live in a Swedish forest. The duo then set to work on a full-length album, balancing schoolwork with the recording sessions. The Big Black & the Blue was released in 2010, and was followed by a request from Jack White to record a single at his Third Man Studios, which resulted in their cover of Buffy Sainte-Maries "Universal Soldier." They struck up a friendship with Conor Oberst and appeared live with Bright Eyes on tour before they entered the studio with the bands guitarist Mike Mogis for The Lions Roar, which arrived in early 2012. The lead single "Emmylou" was listed by Rolling Stone as the tenth best single of the year, and the LP debuted at number one in Sweden. It also charted in several other countries, including the U.S., where it reached number 65 on the Billboard 200 and the Top Five of the Americana/folk chart. The sisters creative relationship with Oberst was cemented in 2014 when they sang backing vocals on his solo album Upside-Down Mountain, and that same year the duo released Stay Gold, their first album on major-label Columbia. It hit number one in Sweden and Norway, and charted in the Top 25 in several European countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Stay Gold went on to win Album of the Year at Swedens Grammis. After two years of touring, festivals, and international TV appearances (including a cover of Simon & Garfunkels "America" for The Late Show with David Letterman), First Aid Kit headed to Portland, Oregon to record their fourth LP. Featuring production by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, the Decemberists) and backing musicians such as R.E.M.s Peter Buck, Wilcos Glen Kotche, and Midlakes McKenzie Smith, the resulting Ruins was informed by the aftermath of Klaras broken engagement. It arrived via Columbia in early 2018 and became another international chart success, reaching number one in Sweden, the Top Five in the U.K. and Norway, and number 47 in the U.S. Comprised of songs recorded during the Ruins sessions, they followed it with the aptly titled Tender Offerings EP in September of the same year. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 10 Title: Drunken Trees Released: 2008-04-09 Tracks: 8 Duration: 28:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Little Moon (03:52) 2 You’re Not Coming Home Tonight (02:29) 3 Tangerine (03:12) 4 Jagadamba, You Might (03:45) 5 Our Own Pretty Ways (03:27) 6 Pervigilo (05:33) 7 Cross Oceans (02:50) 8 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (03:04) |
 | Album: 2 of 10 Title: The Big Black & The Blue Released: 2010-01-25 Tracks: 15 Duration: 53:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 In the Morning (02:36) 2 Hard Believer (03:40) 3 Sailor Song (02:44) 4 Waltz for Richard (02:49) 5 Heavy Storm (03:21) 6 Ghost Town (04:47) 7 Josefin (03:31) 8 A Window Opens (04:21) 9 Winter Is All Over You (03:39) 10 I Met Up With the King (02:49) 11 Wills of the River (04:19) 12 Hard Believer (03:29) 13 Heavy Storm (03:02) 14 Ghost Town (04:27) 15 I Met Up With the King (03:27) |
| The Big Black & The Blue : Allmusic album Review : Suburban Stockholms Söderberg sisters put their best foot forward on this, their first full-length outing as First Aid Kit: the album opens nearly a cappella, with a few slow strums and then a full minute of nothing but the haunting close harmonies that are the duos strongest and most distinctive musical asset. In the 40-odd minutes that follow, the sisters simplistic, repetitious song structures may start to grow stale, and their fine but unfussy folk instrumentalism may seem less than inspiring, but those harmonies are never far from hand, ensuring that The Big Black and the Blue is never less than an entirely pleasant listening experience. And it has potential to be much more than that -- taken individually, many and even most of these tunes have ample charms to offer, among them the sweetly melodic "Waltz for Richard," the wistful "Heavy Storm," and the intriguing "I Met Up with the King" (which bears a striking resemblance to Neko Case). Taken as a whole album, though, the songs lose a lot of their distinctiveness, and the uninterrupted loveliness can start to feel oddly dreary. The Big Black certainly doesnt dash the promise suggested by the duos Drunken Trees EP (which in its final form was only four songs and 14 minutes shorter than this album) -- although that releases mild, playful experimentalism and small inklings of stylistic range are scrapped here for a more sober-minded American folk traditionalism thats perhaps commendable but not altogether compelling -- but it leaves that promise yet to be completely fulfilled. It feels entirely probable that theyll get there: the Söderbergs are still (astonishingly) young -- 20 and 17 at the time of this albums release -- and theyve shown clear evidence of their raw talent and artistry. Their level of engagement is admirable: in addition to their genuinely prodigious vocal gifts and their more than competent handling all of the varied instrumentation here, save for the drums on several tracks, the sisters are credited with co-production and mixing, and theyre also responsible for albums stunning, antiquarian-styled artwork. If they want to secure their place in this young centurys burgeoning classicist folk wave (see also: Laura Marling, the Tallest Man on Earth), theyll merely need to come up with some songs that can truly make good on their otherwise considerably distinguished overall package. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 10 Title: I Met Up With the King Released: 2010-03-04 Tracks: 4 Duration: 14:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 I Met Up With the King (02:49) 2 Hard Believer (03:46) 3 A Window Opens (04:36) 4 Heavy Storm (03:26) |
 | Album: 4 of 10 Title: The Lion’s Roar Released: 2012-01-17 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Lion’s Roar (05:07) 2 Emmylou (04:18) 3 In the Hearts of Men (04:13) 4 Blue (03:12) 5 This Old Routine (04:24) 6 To a Poet (05:44) 7 I Found a Way (04:13) 8 Dance to Another Tune (04:50) 9 New Year’s Eve (03:07) 10 King of the World (03:39) |
| The Lion’s Roar : Allmusic album Review : Described as the Swedish answer to the Pierces, sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg, aka First Aid Kit, blend autumnal folk and wistful 60s Americana, and have gathered a pretty illustrious following since their cover version of Fleet Foxes "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" became a YouTube hit back in 2008. As well as releasing their debut single through the Knifes Rabid Records label, they have since made Patti Smith cry with their rendition of her 1979 single "Dancing Barefoot," been courted by Jack White, who invited them to appear on two tracks for his Third Man Records Blue Series, and now find themselves under the guidance of producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes) for their second album, The Lions Roar. Its an impressive turn of events for a duo that hails from a small suburb of Stockholm, but the follow-up to 2010s The Big Black & the Blue reveals why First Aid Kit have attracted so much attention. Juxtaposing the girls glorious ethereal harmonies with a genuine sense of melancholy, the bittersweet alt-country of "Emmylou," a tribute to the musical partnerships of Ms. Harris and Gram Parsons, and Johnny Cash and June Carter; the twinkling Mama Cass-esque "Blue"; and the lush acoustics of "I Found a Way" are all beautifully heartbreaking. The medieval-tinged opening title track and the infectious handclaps and mariachi horns on "King of the World," the latter of which features guest appearances from Conor Oberst and the Felice Brothers, are convincing forays into rousing nu-folk, while its impossible not to be charmed by the low-key dreaminess of "In the Hearts of Men" and the campfire singalong of "This Old Routine," both of which bear the hallmarks of the long Scandinavian dark winters. A change of pace toward the midway section is less absorbing, with the intimate balladry of "To a Poet," "Dance to Another Tune," and "New Years Eve" all drifting into the same slightly bland troubadour territory. But for the most part, The Lions Roar is a mesmerizing listen that -- alongside recent releases from the likes of the Tallest Man on Earth and Anna Ternheim -- suggests the Swedish folk scene is currently hitting something of a purple patch. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 10 Title: iTunes Session Released: 2012-09-11 Tracks: 8 Duration: 32:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Wolf (03:33) 2 The Lion’s Roar (05:54) 3 Emmylou (04:17) 4 Dancing Barefoot (05:00) 5 Waltz for Richard (03:35) 6 Blue (03:16) 7 Our Own Pretty Ways (03:15) 8 King of the World (03:49) |
 | Album: 6 of 10 Title: Stay Gold Released: 2014-06-06 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 My Silver Lining (03:34) 2 Master Pretender (03:47) 3 Stay Gold (04:11) 4 Cedar Lane (04:43) 5 Shattered & Hollow (04:04) 6 The Bell (03:28) 7 Waitress Song (04:04) 8 Fleeting One (03:14) 9 Heaven Knows (03:18) 10 A Long Time Ago (04:01) |
| Stay Gold : Allmusic album Review : Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg have taken what, in the era of TV talent shows and Internet stars (they were once YouTube sensations themselves), has become a rare path to major-label success. Their hard work and growth within a trusting and nurturing indie label climate have helped develop and mature their sound from the enchanting folk of their debut to the polished Americana that dominates Stay Gold. Making the jump from Wichita to Columbia Records for their third full-length has given the duo the scope to dream bigger, and thats exactly what theyve managed here with an assured and comprehensive collection of songs. Noticeably more expansive than any of their previous work, Stay Gold has a rich texture of classic country instrumentation and stirring string arrangements, matching their soaring vocal melodies. They were first noticed when a charming woodland set of acoustic Fleet Foxes covers gained attention for their beautiful vocals, which are still the main draw on this release, with their close harmonies again empowering every song. The timeless chorus adorning "Cedar Lane" sets the song up for a belting finale, and the closing salvo "How could I break away from you" feels bold yet reassuring. There is plenty of introspection here that sees the sisters focus on their experiences and journey thus far, and being on the road since they were just teenagers has undoubtedly shaped the defiant slow burner "Shattered & Hollow" and the wandering dreams and vulnerability that seep into "Waitress Song." Despite the obvious shift toward a country-influenced sound with a real romping, foot stomper in "Heaven Knows," there are still folk ballads here -- "Fleeting One" and "A Long Time Ago" -- that show the delicacy and heartbreaking capacity of First Aid Kit. With a genuine sense of melancholy that is far beyond their young years, the Söderbergs have taken the mild success of their sophomore record, Lions Roar, in their stride, and with the expert hand of Bright Eyes Mike Mogis once again producing, the lush harmonies and melodies of this album show that they are worthy of a place in the mainstream. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 10 Title: America Released: 2014-12 Tracks: 4 Duration: 14:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 America (03:37) 2 My Silver Lining (Stockholm Session) (03:40) 3 Stay Gold (Stockholm Session) (04:07) 4 Brother (03:28) |
 | Album: 8 of 10 Title: Ruins Released: 2018-01-19 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rebel Heart (05:22) 2 It’s a Shame (04:00) 3 Fireworks (04:15) 4 Postcard (03:47) 5 To Live a Life (03:13) 6 My Wild Sweet Love (03:55) 7 Distant Star (03:10) 8 Ruins (03:31) 9 Hem of Her Dress (03:23) 10 Nothing Has to Be True (04:58) |
| Ruins : Allmusic album Review : With its release following their 2014 major-label debut, Stay Gold, by nearly four years, the Söderberg sisters of First Aid Kit began work on their fourth album after taking a break from music. In the meantime, Klara had moved back home to Stockholm from Manchester, England following a broken engagement. The resulting Ruins takes on heavy-hearted subject matter inspired by working through the personal aftermath. Still, fans of Stay Gold will find a familiar bright, assertive sound, with Klara and Johannas trademark tandem vocals bringing a certain air of resiliency to an unexpectedly lively set of songs. Ruins marks a first-time collaboration with producer Tucker Martine, whose résumé includes bands such as My Morning Jacket, the Decemberists, and Blind Pilot, and performances are bolstered by backing musicians that include the likes of R.E.Ms Peter Buck, Wilcos Glen Kotche, Midlakes McKenzie Smith, and LAKEs Eli Moore. The self-doubting opener, "Rebel Heart," sets the stage with a haunting folk-rock that features instruments like pedal steel, organ, tambourine, and Bucks eBow guitar among its sepia-shaded palette. A more confident, uptempo track, "Its a Shame" shows signs of mettle with advice like "No point in wasting sorrow/On things that wont be here tomorrow." These early tracks help establish a musical sprightliness that holds course for most of the album, even the heartbroken country ballad "Postcard" ("I wasn’t looking for trouble but trouble came/I wasn’t looking to change, I’ll never be the same"). Ruins is never complacent, though, keeping its rough, rustic edges, and allowing for the sounds of fingers on frets on quieter tunes like "To Live a Life." Lyrics dont put on a false front, either, and thats ultimately what makes the album linger -- from a title track that leaves us "Standing amongst ticket stubs and written notes and photographs" to a closer that loses track of time in search of a place that feels like home. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 10 Title: Live from the Rebel Hearts Club Released: 2018-06-08 Tracks: 6 Duration: 25:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Rebel Heart (05:19) 2 Fireworks (04:15) 3 Postcard (03:47) 4 Ruins (03:49) 5 Nothing Has to Be True (04:53) 6 You Are the Problem Here (03:30) |
 | Album: 10 of 10 Title: Tender Offerings Released: 2018-09-14 Tracks: 4 Duration: 16:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Ive Wanted You (06:39) 2 Tender Offerings (03:11) 3 Ugly (04:10) 4 All That We Get (02:50) |