All I can say is FINALLY! First Aid Kit was the only group on my best of ’09 mix that I had not seen live. And to make my list as a band I’ve never seen…well that right there is saying something. But this duo from Sweden has what it takes to melt my heart; crystal clear voices ringing out in delicate harmonies. Their live set certainly did not disappoint, adding charming personalities to the list of things I love about these ladies, sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg. They did perform “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song,” their Fleet Foxes cover which lead to my discovery of them over a year ago. They also did a couple songs out in the audience sans microphones. Fortunately the acoustics of the room (an old bra factory) were more than adequate.
Their debut album, The Big Black and Blue, is certainly worth looking into. Also, they are not in the US that often, so if you can, check them out on their current tour (dates below) before they hop back over to the other side of the pond. Opening for them is the wonderful Samantha Crain, another artist who I’ve been meaning to see live since she made my best of SXSW ’09 mix.
Check out First Aid Kit:
Samantha Crain:
US (and some Canada) tour dates:
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Bottom of the Hill |
San Francisco, California, US |
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Mississippi Studios |
Portland, Oregon, US |
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The Vera Project |
Seattle, Washington, US |
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Media Club |
Vancouver, British Co, CA |
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Cedar Cultural Center |
Minneapolis, Minnesota , US |
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Schubas Tavern |
Chicago, Illinois , US |
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Grog Shop |
Cleveland, Ohio, US |
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Rivoli Cabaret |
Toronto, Ontario , CA |
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Le Belmont – NEW VENUE |
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA |
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Middle East Upstairs |
Cambridge, Massachuse, US |
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The Bell House |
Brooklyn, New York , US |
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Mercury Lounge |
New York, New York, US |
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~ Kristen