The world was first treated to the pairing of First Aid Kit and Bright Eyes’ Mike Mogis in 2012 with the release of their second album, The Lion’s Roar. Mogis’ bells and whistles paired with the sisters’ voices were complementary in a way that could only be matched by an Animal Planet special feature. Yes, true beauty came out of First Aid Kit’s sophomore album, but the tracks tended to echo one another. One finished the album with something to be desired, and it wasn’t another homage to Joni Mitchell.
What The Lion’s Roar lacked seems to be there in the duo’s upcoming third album, Stay Gold, to be released June 10. Their pre-released single, “My Silver Lining,” is a neon sign pointing in the right direction — meeting at the crossroads of folk, pop, and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll, “My Silver Lining” promises good things to come.
The most striking parts of the standout tracks lie in the strings: The Omaha Symphony Orchestra provides a hopeful and persistent harmony underneath the Soderburgs’ angelic voices. They tackle issues of regret and the drive that keeps them above their worries, but still the song could soundtrack a Maserati ad, speeding in slow motion through the south-west’s vast deserts. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.