First Aid Kit Announces Release of New Album “Ruins”
Swedish sister singing duo First Aid Kit has announced their latest album Ruins, scheduled to be released on January 19th, 2018. Produced by Tucker Martine of My Morning Jacket fame and recorded in Portland, Oregon at Flora Studios, it features appearances by Peter Buck of REM, and Wilco’s Glenn Kotche. If the first two songs are any indication, the new album will be a much more country and rootsy effort compared to previous albums.
First launching their careers via a very ethereal, yet roots-inferred sound, sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg received recognition in Europe and the United States with breathtaking compositions such as “Emmylou” and “The Lion’s Roar.” Their second album Stay Gold brought them further worldwide recognition. The title of the new album Ruins, as well as many of the songs, are said to be inspired by the breakup of Klara Söderberg from her fiancee.
Along with the album announcement comes a new song called “Postcards” that lives up to the billing of a more country and roots style to the pair’s upcoming record. This joins another preemptively-released track called “It’s A Shame.” The duo was recently in the United States ahead of the release, performing at ACL Fest in Austin among other places.
“Finally,” the duo said on Friday (10-27) as part of the announcement. “Words can’t possibly describe how thrilled we are to announce our upcoming record. We poured our hearts and souls into this. Soon it’ll be yours.”
TRACK LIST:
- “Rebel Heart”
- “It’s A Shame”
- “Fireworks”
- “Postcard”
- “To Live a Life”
- “My Wild Sweet Love”
- “Distant Star”
- “Ruins”
- “Hem of Her Dress”
- “Nothing Has to Be True”
Mike2
October 27, 2017 @ 6:58 pm
Really looking forward to this album. I saw them perform Postcards in Austin last week and was pleasantly surprised at how country it was. I don’t expect this to be a country album though. It’s a shame is a great song and Fireworks is a good song, but neither are very country.
Jtrpdx
October 27, 2017 @ 10:14 pm
Interesting. Looking forward to hearing more, especially as a Portlander.
On another note, I am surprised that Jeremy Pinnell’s 2017 album has gotten no coverage or discussion in these parts. I would recommend that everyone check it out.
albert
October 28, 2017 @ 1:45 am
These kids have a unique vocal sound …..no question.BUT this song and the sound they are chasing with it is just too derivative and void of any fresh artistic perspective . The lyric is tedious , imo .
But I could listen to those voices ( on better material ) all day long ….sweet .
Kent
October 28, 2017 @ 4:45 am
I agree with Albert Many of their songs are derivative and “Postcard” is most certainly no exception. On the other hand many country songs are. But I really like the lyrics on this song especially since I’m pretty shure know who the song are about.
And as Trigger, I hope this album will be more oriented towards root music. But It will not be a country album (if it did they would loose half their fan base) but maybe more Americana. But I’m happy as long as they stay away from any electronic pop music..
It’s also recorded “Live” in the studio and that they’ll let “minor” flaws slip through They did this because so many people have said they sound better live than they do on their recordings. Also there are hardly no filter on their voices wich make them sound more raw.
These girls has said in several interviews that they “love songs” not genre. But of course, they can’t escape people putting them into genre. Here is what a Swede wrote after the release of “postcard” (It almost sounded like an order…) “Release “Fireworks” (this song: https://youtu.be/EqMPyQAASVM) this getting to much country”
And for those who like pedal steel her’s a cover they made of George Harrington’s ” Behind That Locked Door”
Kent
October 28, 2017 @ 4:49 am
*and they said that they’ll let “minor” flaws slip through
Kent
October 28, 2017 @ 4:52 am
Damn it… Forgot the link to ” Behind That Locked Door” …:-) https://youtu.be/8uAkWhVYab8
Benny Lee
October 28, 2017 @ 6:43 am
OH YES.
Of course they’re not straight up country, but you also can’t say their music isn’t country-influenced. Love their supernatural harmony and the way they make use of the steel.
jimsouls
October 28, 2017 @ 11:14 am
I would rather hear music that is country-influenced than straight country. Modern artists who try to sound like ’50s and ’60s music is a turn-off in my book. Roots music should not be relegated to nostalgia.
1000Camdens
October 28, 2017 @ 8:43 am
Very excited for the new album. I loved Stay Gold and can’t wait to hear their new material. I do hope its a bit more rootsy.
Kevin Smith
October 28, 2017 @ 9:19 am
The piano coupled with pedal steel give it a kinda retro country politan sound. Kinda like a Chet Atkins producing with Floyd Cramer playing. Pleasantly surprised. (Always saw FAK as hipster, Pitchfork, NPR darlings). I remember when Jack White put out a single from them. For me that piano really brings it. And of course they can sing, really well. Not bad at all.I’m reassessing my take on them in a good way.
Daniele
October 28, 2017 @ 10:09 am
Since we’re talking about Sweden the last EUROPE album was produced by DAVE COBB!! Ain’t it weird?…agree on Jeremy Pinnell, brilliant hardcore country.
jimsouls
October 28, 2017 @ 11:11 am
I am glad they are not straight up-country. The best roots music pushes forward. There is nothing good about being stuck in the past.
Btw, some may have missed this FAK single that was released on International Women’s Day 2017. Yes, it is profane. But considering the subject matter, the language is entirely appropriate. If the song makes some folks uncomfortable, well, that’s the point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exsaCN4c5dc
Kevin Smith
October 28, 2017 @ 11:38 am
There is nothing good about being stuck in the past.
Wow.. Shane Macanally thanks you for that opinion heartily! You do know you are on Saving Country Music, right?
jimsouls
October 28, 2017 @ 11:48 am
My favorite artists that I have read about on this site are pushing roots music forward. There is nothing more annoying to me than a modern artist trying to sound exactly like music from the past. That is nostalgia. Why copy what has already been done?
Trigger
October 28, 2017 @ 12:24 pm
Country music must evolve and grow to stay relevant and survive. It also must keep strong ties to its roots to survive. I’ve always believed that artists like First Aid Kit, Amanda Shires, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, and others are at the forefront of doing this. Artists who staunchly keep the traditions of country music alive are important too. You can have it both ways. Dale Watson is important, but so is First Aid Kit in trying to save country music.
Martha
October 28, 2017 @ 12:03 pm
Love these ladies!!! Can’t wait for the new album!
Kent
October 29, 2017 @ 4:04 pm
Trigger,in the introduction you mentioned “Emmylou”. “Postcard” is also a sort of tribute to Gram Parsons and/or James Burton… I’m 99% sure the line “Pick it for me James” referrer to James Burton and “Grievous Angel” where you can hear Gram say that line. It’s the sisters at times a bit weird humor… Klara even tries to mimic Gram’s accent… 🙂
nn
October 31, 2017 @ 3:52 am
They chose to make a farewell song in the old country way. And I think it’s meant for Klaras ex fiancé.
Kent
October 31, 2017 @ 10:14 am
“And I think it’s meant for Klaras ex fiancé.”
Yes most likely and he is, like Klara, a fan of Gram Parsons.
Here’s a video from 2010 there they sing Gram’s “A song For You” My favorite
Gram Parsons songs. (And I think also Klaras).
https://youtu.be/NXY-TOXUttA
Bill
November 1, 2017 @ 7:31 am
Still more country than Thomas Rhett..