Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg formed their band First Aid Kit back in 2007. The group first started to gain popularity in 2008 with a YouTube cover of Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”. The sisters write and compose all of their own music and play many of the instruments at are featured. They gain this inspiration from artists such as Devendra Banhart, and CocoRosie. As of now, they have released four albums, four EPs, and a number of singles. Their fourth studio album Ruins, released in January of 2018, has helped the indie folk duo gain international attention with hits like “Emmylou” and “Fireworks”. Since then, the group has performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and also at the 2018 Coachella Music Festival, which is where I was first introduced to the group. First Aid Kit released their EP Tender Offerings on September 14th, 2018.

Although consisting of only four songs, Tender Offerings still manages to convey a sense of love and endearment. The musical duo are known for their beautiful harmonies, which are clearly heard on this EP in songs such as “Ugly” and “All That We Get”. Overall, Tender Offerings is more lifting than their 2018 album Ruins, which focused on heartbreak and the ruins of a relationship. However, the first song on the EP titled “I’ve Wanted You” presents a similar feeling of emotion as some of their previous songs. With an almost seven minute duration, the song clearly displays the sisters’ lyrical talent that allows you to feel the meaning and emotion behind every word. The contrast between First Aid Kit’s emotive lyrics and sweet harmonies on the EP is bittersweet. Regarding the creation of the song, the group stated on social media that “‘I’ve Wanted You’ is a song that was written in the back of a cab, in an airplane & finished in a kitchen. The song means a whole lot to us.The feeling of being completely lost in your life, feeling so much but being so scared to fully give in to those emotions”.

Tender Offerings feels extremely personal and is very relatable. The EP is very accessible and is something anyone can empathize with. With the success of their most recent albums, their increasing popularity, and exquisite vocal and songwriting skills First Aid Kit has a bright and promising future ahead of them.

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