By First Aid Kit mix indie folk with captivating harmonies. Since forming in 2007, the Swedish duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg have carved a strong reputation, being supported by the likes of BBC 6 Music and playing festivals such as Glastonbury.
Their last album Stay Gold embraced their pop sensibilities, landing them in many ‘Best of 2014’ lists. Earlier this month, they released a new track, ‘Fireworks’, taken from their upcoming fourth studio album, Ruins which is released on January 19th. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, enhanced by a combination of lush string arrangements and a waltzing rhythm.
Ruins was produced by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Laura Veirs) and recorded in Portland, OR. The duo collaborated with a wide range of guests including REM’s Peter Buck, Wilco’s Glenn Kotche, and Midlake’s McKenzie Smith.
The band said of ‘Fireworks’: “We’re so excited to be finally sharing ‘Fireworks.’ It’s a track that we put a lot of emotions into.
“We love the arrangement we created for it with our producer Tucker Martine, borrowing from classic 50s ballads and mixing it with Twin Peaks guitars and synths.
“It’s a song about the ideals you set yourself in life and how they can break you down, leaving you all alone in the end.”
‘Fireworks’ starts off with a blissed out, meandering guitar line and a pounding drum beat reminiscent of a sunny day. The intricate harmonies blend, as most First Aid Kit songs do, very nicely. The reverb on the backing vocals turns things into a massive wall of sound. Lyrically it’s reflective, the sisters singing in a tuneful harmony about a previous regret: “Why do I do this to myself every time / I know the way it ends even before it’s even begun / I’m the only one at the finish line”, the stunning delivery resonating with every listen.
‘Fireworks’ is a track oozing with ambition, and if Ruins matches this, you’re in for a treat.
Ruins is released on 19th January via Columbia Records.
