Country/rock sisters 'First Aid Kit' released their new single 'Blue' yesterday (June 25th) on Wichita records following the release of their album 'The Lion's Roar' released at the beginning of this year.
Accompanying the single is a slightly surreal video directed by Daniel Wirtberg and featuring the Swedish actress Ewa Froling who appeared in the first film adaptation of 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' as well as 'Fanny and Alexander'. The song lyrics are distinctly miserable; a bizarre but slightly humorous contrast to the cheerful and delicate instrumental. It lacks the confusing ambiguity that is popular among indie songs which adds a raw, blunt quality to the music.
'We like bittersweet songs', says the younger of the sisters, Klara Soderberg. 'Making the melodies and lyrics head in different directions is very deliberate,' says older sister Johanna. 'A song like 'Emmylou' sounds cheerful, but the lyrics are the saddest thing you ever heard.' The Stockholm born sisters were quick to point out their main signature style while writing music. 'We only sing sad songs!'
The duo have recently completed sold out support slots for Jack White at the Brixton Academy and Hammersmith Apollo. They also recorded their single 'Universal Soldier', a cover of the song by Buffy Sainte-Marie, alongside him which Johanna says she feels is too good to be true.
Along with various UK festivals, the girls will make appearances at the Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits festivals in the US.
First Aid Kit Live Dates:
Fri 13 July Latitude Festival
Fri 31 Aug - 2 Sept End of the Road Festival
Fri 7 Sept Bestival
Tue 20 Nov London Shepherds Bush Empire
Thu 22 Nov Manchester Ritz
Sat 24 Nov Glasgow QMU
Tue 27 Nov Bristol Academy
Official Site - http://thisisfirstaidkit.com