New Music Review: First Aid Kit-The Lion's Roar

First Aid Kit-"The Lion's Roar"

Wichita Recordings

Grade: 9.15 (A)

Available At: Amazon MP3 & CD, emusic, NPR

Official Site: thisisfirstaidkit.com

Move over Swedish pop (ABBA, Ace Of Base), there's a new sheriff (music movement) coming to your Scandinavian town. With The Tallest Man On Earth's 2010 releases and the latest release from Klara and Johanna Söderberg, two sisters hailing from Sweden (aka First Aid Kit), I think it's time to re-examine Swedish folk's full on potential. "The Lion's Roar", the second proper release from the Söderberg sisters, is a triumphant sophomore effort that is not afraid to wear it's heart on it's sleeve while delivering ten fine tunes.

The Söderberg sisters vocals are the real winners on their latest effort, matching pitch perfect harmonies with overwhelming honesty. The biggest finger pointing on "The Lion's Roar" goes to the album's bookends. The album's self titled song opens the album with a brassy feel of complete self confidence and a healthy dose of realism. It marches at a waltzes' speed to gain your full attention but never forgetting how important a hook is. Just as compelling is the closer, "King Of The World", where the song turns into a completely joyous occasion with a knockout chorus ("Well I'm nobody's baby, I'm everybody's girl, I'm the queen of nothing, I'm the king of the world") and Mariachi horns..and wait, what???? Bright Eyes Conor Oberst out of left field, makes a last verse contribution to make the song a complete home run. In a young 2012, it's my song of the year.

Another element going for "The Lion's Roar" is the sincerity The Söderberg sisters use to remind you of their roots. "Stockholm's cold but I’ve been told/I was born to endure this kind of weather" on "Emmylou" or "The street's here at home have rapidly filled up with the whitest of snow" on "To A Poet" show a humility and an ode to their surroundings. And they're not afraid to incorporate that with an old school country music leaning (as on the wonderful "Emmylou") or chamber pop folk (as seen on the wonderful "Blue"). On Emmylou, the part in the chorus name dropping June (Carter-Cash), Gram (Parsons), and Johnny (Cash), is absolutely brilliant. It shows the sisters' versatility brilliantly and debt to, not only folk but, old school country music. That ying playing off the yang is what will keep you coming back to visit "The Lion's Roar".

Plus, there is a lot going on underneath the surface of "The Lion's Roar" held together by one tie...the Söderberg sisters gorgeous vocal harmonies. It is never too saccharine and there is never too much over instrumentation to bog the album down. There will be Fleet Foxes comparisons, but I think there is enough for First Aid Kit to revel in their own accomplishments. They've released an early 2012 highly recommended release to help guide you through a year that sill has 11 months to wade through. For me, that is no small feat, at all.

JHO Picks: King Of The World, The Lion's Roar, Emmylou, Blue