When they first emerged in 2008, the Soderberg sisters’ poised campfire harmonies ached in inverse proportion to their tender years (18 and 15). On their fourth effort, First Aid Kit sound more hurt than ever, if just as mellifluous.
Ruins starts with an impeccable run of five songs, where the Soderbergs work those sorrowful melodies into gleaming shapes.
Lead single It’s a Shame has both pace and pedal steel, while Fireworks is a lovely, old-timey waltz.
The album’s second half glides hazily by, never actually disappointing, but maintaining a mid-tempo pensiveness that is a little too comforting for comfort.
• First Aid Kit: Ruins. (Columbia).
• ★★★ (out of five)
— Kitty Empire/Guardian News and Media
