First Impression & First Aid Kit

by HJ Mills in Musician Reviews, Opinion Posts, bands to watch

Greetings to my fellow admirers of audio rivers. My name’s HJ. I’ve been writing my own music blog semi-frequently since September ‘08. It started as a class assignment, then grew into one of my favorite things. Music is my passion, and I’m here to share and celebrate my passion with you. I always love metaphors, a ripe mango, tea with steam dancing on the top, scarves that are lovely, silver rings, scripture, and the gritty smell of camp fires.

I gave up listening to male musicians for Lent. I must mention that I can listen to approximately 9% of my music library. It’s much harder than you think…Lately, hours have been strictly devoted to trying to win at hide and seek with some talented female artists not saturated in pop. 

 My friends have graciously been dropping names to satisfy my unquenchable thirst lately for female artists. One friend introduced me to a lovely folk sister duo called First Aid Kit about a month ago, but I have only had to the enjoyment of embracing their talent within the past few weeks. I was impressed within seconds of catching the live version of their original, “You’re Not Coming Home Tonight”.

Johanna and Klara Söderberg decided to go bold and cover Fleet Foxes‘ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” just a hair over two months after their debut album was released. The number of plays on YouTube of the cover is pushing half a million. Their harmonies are flawless and whole. There are even moments in which one can doubt that they can harmonize that well, but their solid, sharp voices echo luscious harmonies that are hard to keep a hold of. The hollow guitar’s repercussions are filled to the brim with sure vocals. What I thought I heard in my head did not and could not come close to giving these passionate maidens justice. My ears are craving more, while cherishing what has already been released. Luckily, I won’t have to wait long. September 2009 is the due date for their debut album. Sounds scrumptious.