Talented folk-pop First Aid Kit have released “Ruins,” their fourth studio album. It’s a solid “must have” collection of fresh, honest tracks sure to please fans and critics.

Plaintive, folk-rock “Rebel Heart” is the opener and longest cut on the album; it’s also on our playlist. Written on a stormy night in Joshua Tree, California, it’s a compelling track with a stunning arrangement.

Have a listen:

Rebel Heart


The new album was produced in Portland by Tucker Martine (Decemberists, My Morning Jacket), and features REM’s Peter Buck on guitar.

Songs range from love ballads like “Fireworks” to the soft-rock soulfulness of “Distance Star” and “It’s a Shame,” to simple acoustic reflections like “To Live A Life.”

Country western standout “Postcard” has a pure directness akin to superstar Emmylou Harris’s classic 70s “Pieces of the Sky” release. It’s all the more remarkable given that First Aid Kit hail from Sweden.

About First Aid Kit

The band has released four albums including their wildly successful “Drunken Trees” debut, and have toured internationally.

Their musical influences include Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash and Gillian Welch.

Said sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg in a recent interview with online publication Consequence of Sound: “Every song on the (new) album has its own take on heartbreak.”

They’re currently touring to promote “Ruins” with upcoming shows in the U.K., France, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and the U.S. The new album is currently charting on Billboard’s Top 200.

Title track also satisfies

“Ruins” title track is another capstone.

It’s a haunting, sparse arrangement that works well to showcase the duo’s beautiful, fluid harmonies. Here they are performing it live in January:

Ruins

You can find music by First Aid Kit on iTunes, Amazon, and on their website.

Cynthia Orlando
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