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:

2 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Bottom of the Hill	San Francisco, California, US
4 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Mississippi Studios	Portland, Oregon, US
5 Jun 2010 8:00 P	The Vera Project	Seattle, Washington, US
6 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Media Club	Vancouver, British Co, CA
9 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Cedar Cultural Center	Minneapolis, Minnesota , US
10 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Schubas Tavern	Chicago, Illinois , US
11 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Grog Shop	Cleveland, Ohio, US
12 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Rivoli Cabaret	Toronto, Ontario , CA
13 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Le Belmont – NEW VENUE	Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
14 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Middle East Upstairs	Cambridge, Massachuse, US
15 Jun 2010 8:00 P	The Bell House	Brooklyn, New York , US
16 Jun 2010 8:00 P	Mercury Lounge	New York, New York, US

~ Kristen