First Aid Kit : 'The Big Black And The Blue'
Released: 25th January 2010
Label: Wichita Recordings
You know you're in for something special when an artist's mantra is to “aim for the hearts, not for the charts.” And with this inscribed firmly on their lips, Swedish duo First Aid Kit are certainly achieving it.
With their beautiful brand of folk, The Big Black And The Blue is a stunning debut. Minimalist yet wonderfully resonant, each element is perfectly in tune and complimentary of each other. From the ballad - like “Hard Believer” to the stripped down, vocal based “In The Morning”, each track is a pleasure to behold.
They are also blessed with considerable versatility, visiting every corner of the folk genre whilst maintaining a strong sense of identity. “Sailor Song” is an upbeat, foot – tapping affair bursting with sea faring influences, whilst “Winter Is All Over” proves to be a haunting, cavernous track with nothing but a lonely acoustic guitar for accompaniment.
Yet whatever the track, it is Klara and Johanna's vocals that prove the real treat. Tender but full of purpose, they are note perfect throughout, intertwining to form some genuinely beautiful harmonies. “I Met Up With The King” proves a typical example, a basic melody supporting a stunning vocal performance, yet it is the superb “Josefin” that probably provides the best example of their talents. Stripped down and simple, the duo's vocals weave together from the lowest to the highest point with ease and aplomb. Although not as stunning as previous tracks, it simply provides a pedestal to showcase the vast talent the young ladies have at their disposal.
And, in fairness, that is something each track on The Big Black And The Blue does. With such variation and talent oozing from every note, there is a considerable amount for the young duo to be proud of on their debut outing.
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