Stay Gold [LP]

by First Aid Kit

Overview

Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Soederberg have taken what, in the era of TV talent shows and Internet stars (they were once YouTube sensations themselves), has become a rare path to major-label success. Their hard work and growth within a trusting and nurturing indie label climate have helped develop and mature their sound from the enchanting folk of their debut to the polished Americana that dominates Stay Gold. Making the jump from Wichita to Columbia Records for their third full-length has given the duo the scope to dream bigger, and that's exactly what they've managed here with an assured and comprehensive collection of songs. Noticeably more expansive than any of their previous work, Stay Gold has a rich texture of classic country instrumentation and stirring string arrangements, matching their soaring vocal melodies. They were first noticed when a charming woodland set of acoustic Fleet Foxes covers gained attention for their beautiful vocals, which are still the main draw on this release, with their close harmonies again empowering every song. The timeless chorus adorning "Cedar Lane" sets the song up for a belting finale, and the closing salvo "How could I break away from you" feels bold yet reassuring. There is plenty of introspection here that sees the sisters focus on their experiences and journey thus far, and being on the road since they were just teenagers has undoubtedly shaped the defiant slow burner "Shattered & Hollow" and the wandering dreams and vulnerability that seep into "Waitress Song." Despite the obvious shift toward a country-influenced sound with a real romping, foot stomper in "Heaven Knows," there are still folk ballads here -- "Fleeting One" and "A Long Time Ago" -- that show the delicacy and heartbreaking capacity of First Aid Kit. With a genuine sense of melancholy that is far beyond their young years, the Soederbergs have taken the mild success of their sophomore record, Lion's Roar, in their stride, and with the expert hand of Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis once again producing, the lush harmonies and melodies of this album show that they are worthy of a place in the mainstream. ~ Scott Kerr

Product Details

Release Date:	06/10/2014
Label:	Columbia / Sony Music
UPC:	0888430666115

Tracks

1. My Silver Lining
2. Master Pretender
3. Stay Gold
4. Cedar Lane
5. Shattered & Hollow
6. The Bell
7. Waitress Song
8. Fleeting One
9. Heaven Knows
10. A Long Time Ago

Album Credits

Performance Credits

First Aid Kit   Primary Artist
Mike Mogis   Bass,Autoharp,Dulcimer,Mandolin,Marxophone,Percussion,Pedal Steel,Hammer Dulcimer,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Ben Brodin   Mellotron,Vibraphone
Nathaniel Walcott   Organ,Piano,Trumpet,Piano (Electric)
Paul Ledwon   Cello
Keith Plenert   Violin
Scott Shoemaker   Violin
Thomas Kluge   Viola
Tracy Dunn   Violin
Leslie Fagan   Flute,Flute (Alto)
Frank Seligman   Violin
Judy Divis   Viola
Will Clifton   Double Bass,Bass (Upright)
Phyllis Duncan   Violin
Benkt Soederberg   Bass,Percussion
Dan Fletcher   Violin,Violin
Johanna Soederberg   Vocals,Autoharp,Keyboards,Percussion
Klara Soederberg   Guitar,Vocals,Percussion
Brian Sherwood   Viola
John Klinghammer   Clarinet,Clarinet (Bass)
Jeffrey King   Violin
Anna Soederberg   Percussion
Isak Soederberg   Percussion
Jeffery King   Violin
Juliet Yoshida   Violin
Niclas Lindstroem   Drums,Percussion,Guitar (Acoustic)
Susanna Gilmore   Violin
Tim Strang   Cello

Technical Credits

Mike Mogis   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Programming,Mixing Engineer
Ben Brodin   Assistant Engineer
E.E. Storey   Artwork
Doug Van Sloun   Mastering
Johanna Soederberg   Composer
Klara Soederberg   Composer
Neil Krug   Photography