First Aid Kit: The Lion's Roar

First Aid Kit
The Lion's Roar
Wichita Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore album from Americana duo First Aid Kit delivers with complete warmth and depth.

Album Review:
Swedish sisters, Klara and Johanna Söderberg make up First Aid Kit and The Lion's Roar is the young pair's sophomore record which represents their first US-recorded album. If you heard the album first you might be surprised to hear that the duo were not American born from their honest and solid style of folk Americana presented here on the album's ten tracks.

Regardless of their origin, right from the opening title track you will fully engage with the instantly likable vocal of Klara, the backing harmonies from Johanna and most certainly the warm depth that the mandolin, piano and pedal steel create. This leads you right into the best track on the record, "Emmylou", that name checks Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, June Carter and of course Harris as it strolls along with a catchy chorus that just pleads for a continued relationship with the line "just sing, little darling, just sing with me".

The Lion's Roar was recorded in Omaha and produced by longtime Bright Eyes collaborator Mike Mogis. Mogis also plays on just about every track along with other Saddle Creek family member Nate Walcott. The added talent didn't just end there either as the closing track "King Of The World" features Conor Oberst singing the last verse as well as The Felice Brothers lending some supportive instruments. The track is another highlight on The Lion's Roar and it is the most upbeat song on the album that also includes trumpet and hand claps.

Considering that First Aid Kit are in their late teens and early twenties, The Lion's Roar sounds much more mature in both their vocal talent and songwriting which gives the album its full confidence. This only makes me excited for what the duo will do next as clearly this is only the beginning and with such a strong outing in The Lion's Roar, First Aid Kit will definitely be a group that we will hear from for some time to come!

Key Tracks: "The Lion's Roar", "King Of The World", "Emmylou"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Fleet Foxes
Audra Mae

First Aid Kit Website
First Aid Kit Facebook
Wichita Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony