Swedish duo First Aid Kit, comprised of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, calmly walk towards their posts ready for the cascading dim purple lights to reveal them to their audience. With Klara on guitar and Johanna on the keyboard, they vocally open with their beloved single “The Lion’s Roar”. The duo’s outfits pay tribute to their folk inspired album “Stay Gold” from the covenesque inspired attire on Johanna to Klara’s gold encased loafers.
With Johanna and Klara’s harmonies on point, the two are set against a golden glitter imbued mountain backdrop further illuminated with pink and gold hues. The pair holds the audience’s undivided attention as they impressively sing an unplugged version of “Ghost Town” to a sold out Eventim Apollo crowd. A brave move in which the girls perform exceptionally especially in hitting the high notes impeccably and encouraging the crowd to join in, although encouragement was not needed, the room is filled with loyal fans singing along to every word.
Both recall key personal moments including making Patti Smith cry and causing Paul Simon to give an illegal standing ovation in their hometown of Stockholm as well as reflecting on Klara’s love for cream eggs. The crowd roared as they played sensational hit “My Silver Lining”. This is followed by a cover of Jack White’s “Love Interruption” which switches up the tone – enforcing a head banging, feet stomping display on stage, temporarily showcasing a different sound to the duo’s folk roots but all the same incredibly enticing.
Before their well-deserved Encore they play a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s America with flawless vocals from both and close the show with an Emmylou sing-a-long acoustic session. Leaning their heads on one another the duo present their Swedish Sisterly bond on the closing of their UK tour.
