FIRST AID KIT: EDINBURGH, UK
First Aid Kit
at O2 Academy in Edinburgh, UK
words by Emma Jenky
Photo Credit: Gary Lambert
Over the past few years, it has grown increasingly difficult to find original artists. Musicians who follow the traditional values of what it is to be a songwriter and performer. The music in the charts is beginning to blend into one unanimous sound, and ‘indie‘ acts are more mainstream than ever before. However, there are still musicians out there striving to make their own mark.
The Swedish indie-folk duo First Aid Kit provide just this: an independent, yet also classic, approach to the folk genre. Resonating literal folklore throughout their music with references to folk legends such as Emmylou and Gram Larson builds through different motifs and within different tracks that tell stories of others, making them part of their own.
Earlier this month, First Aid Kit brought their contagious sound and spirit to the city of Edinburgh, playing the O2 Academy as part of their tour. Opening the set with melancholic synthetic harmonies, the individual bass note built anticipation in the crowd and the tension erupted when the sisters burst on stage. With guitars in hand, an excited crowd, and enthusiastic vocals – the show has begun.
And with a bang.
Sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, who have been performing together since 2007, come together to form First Aid Kit. When they play live, they’re supported by a drummer, a pianist, guitarist, and members on percussion and accordion. With a full backing band supporting them, the duo was able to create a sound that was full and deep.
The set was amazing. The pace and genre were constantly changing, creating an interesting show that flowed in a way that felt natural, comparable to how emotion is experienced. The duo are some of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege to witness — instrumentally, vocally, and lyrically in a way that feels like some could never learn how to replicate.
Throughout the set, both Johanna and Klara have solo verses, lead choruses and at times, solo songs. When they worked together vocally, they harmonised with one another to create a sound that can only be described as flawlessly ethereal. Their vocals blend into one, constantly telling stories and tales of times before and times to come.
A blend of many genres, yet so blatantly folk, they offer refuge for any type of musical palate. At the very least, it was a spectacular show featuring instrumental breakdowns and acapella verses with something for everyone. The crowd danced to the inspiration of ‘King of the world’. Mothers and daughters held one another during the story of ‘Everybody’s Got To Learn’, knowing that mum really was always right. The feminine energy radiated to ‘Hem of Her Dress’ for every girl that’s ever been hurt. And most importantly, they reminisced to ‘Emmylou’, a fan favourite and their most popular track.
First Aid Kit came together and made created a sound that mirrored human emotion perfectly. Lessons were taught, stories told, and knowledge passed on.