The Lion's Roar - First Aid Kit

"I was born to endure this kind of weather"

As if Radio One airplay and an onstage appearance with Bright Eyes in 2011 weren't enough, there’s no doubting that the apple of the hipsterverse’s eye in 2012 will be Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit. Sisters Johanna and Klara Sodeberg have come a long way since their youtube cover of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song inconceivably led to another jaunt onstage, this time with Fleet Foxes – an experience which will only translate to hipster bucks in the bank as they continue their rise towards an 8.5+ on Pitchfork.

The Lion’s Roar is the pair’s Mike Mogis-produced second effort, and there is an undeniably heavy dose of Cassadaga to the sound; in particular, the old trick of combining the twang of a pedal-steel guitar with a hick name (Emmylou) feels tried, tested and perfected. It’s a wonderfully soothing record, an exceptional sum of exceptional parts; the vocal dynamic and the traditional, simple melodies fit seamlessly, demonstrating a maturity beyond their tender years. The Lion’s Roar is 2012’s strongest release to date – just remember to namedrop their first album and not Edith Bowman when your Drowned In Sound message board buddies ask where you first heard them.

8/10