For years, I have checked First Aid Kit's official website to see when the two Swedish sisters would finally get close to Pittsburgh. So naturally when I learned they were coming to the Altar Bar this summer, I let out a "Hey-Ya, Hey-Ya!"
Two things that are amazing about Klara and Johanna are that 1.) their collective ages add up to around 40 and 2.) they are that young and can perform together without wanting to throw a hot curling iron at each other (my sister and I would not be a successful pop duo).
On stage, their sisterly bond is visible (think: the Olsen twins with guitars), not only through their harmonies, but through little looks and nods (Klara forgot the lyrics at one point and Johanna helped her out by mouthing the words). These two are really rather endearing because it doesn't look like it's all business up there. It really looks like two sisters who sing together.
A highlight of the show, and something I've never seen a performer do before, was when the sisters unplugged and step forward to the crowd, singing "Ghost Town," completely silencing the room. They proved their voices really need no amping, nor do they need a auto-tuning (eat it, everyone on the radio!).
Their set was only about an hour and included tracks like "Hard Believer," "When I Grow Up," and of course, "Emmylou." Most appropriately, Pittsburgh's own The Red Western opened for the band, setting the folksy mood for the night (I especially liked "Flood").
I'm thinking that First Aid Kit will make a return to the Burgh at some point, given the enthusiasm for the band and the band's visible surprise at this enthusiasm, as Johanna remarked that they never know what to expect from town to town (what Klara mostly knew of Pittsburgh was from "My So-Called Life"---adorable!).
aw bet this was a good show! i'm pretty sure nate likes them but i have only heard 1 song!
Posted by: The Delicate Place (@misathemeb) | 08/01/2012 at 03:39 PM
It was great! I think you'd like this band!
Posted by: Mego | 08/02/2012 at 08:20 AM