I've been listening to this record for around three months now. Have played it three times today already and figure it really is time for some more of the SOMB aside from myself and Mitchell to hear it now, rather than for me to start harping on about it in November when everyone is frantically trying to listen to ten albums a day in preparation for EOY lists.



Anyway, First Aid Kit (that's them ^^^) are Johanna and Klara Söderberg, two moon-faced young Swedish sisters.

You may remember their Fleet Foxes cover from a few years back which was quite brilliant:



Their debut album The Big Black and the Blue leaked in late '09 and was released properly in January this year. Eleven perfectly sweet folk tunes, songwriting remarkable given how ridiculously young they both are (Johanna is 19, Klara 16), and full of gorgeous harmonies. Arrangements are simple and unfussy. Fans of pecknold & co, Newsom, Laura Marling, even Neko Case will likely enjoy.



1 In The Morning
2 Hard Believer
3 Sailor Song
4 Waltz For Richard
5 Heavy Storm
6 Ghost Town
7 Josefin
8 A Window Opens
9 Winter Is All Over You
10 I Met Up With A King
11 Will Of The River


Here are a couple of their singles, "Hard Believer" particularly is magical.





This is them singing "You're Not Coming Home Tonight" in the woods, which is from their Drunken Trees EP.

they're playing the US in May/June as well

Co-sign this, obviously



I'm more impressed by the songwriting given it's their second language TBH.

Saw them live last year at Glastonbury which was very enjoyable first thing on Saturday morning. Elbow's Guy Garvey was there enjoying it as well.

this is also very true.

I imagine they'd be quite an accomplished live act if those youtube performances in the woods are anything to go by.

Schubas on June 10! I already have a ticket. The album is a little precious for me at times, but no questioning their talent and the loveliness of their voices.

Good news

How did I sleep on this before.

I saw them last night opening for Bright Eyes. Was really impressed and picked up the debut on vinyl. Their follow-up is scheduled for January, Mike Mogis producing. Good band.

Album is out January 24

The first single is the title track and you can hear it here. 7" available from next month at their gigs, December in shops.

Here is the album.

http://www.npr.org/2012/01/15/144966888/fi...-the-lions-roar