Are you looking for new music to listen to that isn’t pop? Do you long to listen to beautiful, lyrical music that evokes nostalgia? Are you a fan of Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones and are looking to listen to something similar? Look no further–indie Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit recently released the deluxe version of their newest album, “Palomino.” 

First Aid Kit consists of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, who are from Stockholm, Sweden. The duo debuted in 2007 by releasing songs on Myspace and submitting them to their local radio station and released their debut EP, “Drunken Trees,” in 2008. Since then, they have released five studio albums, the most recent of which is “Palomino.” 

In their album “Palomino,” First Aid Kit explores leaving the past behind as well as reminiscing on the beauty of life. It ranges from “finding the one” to wondering if love is real. Personally, my favorite track on this album is “Once Upon a Time,” which reflects on naivety and young love. I especially appreciate how this track includes violin, viola, cello and double bass as well as the guitar. In this album, I’d also recommend “Out Of My Head” and “Angel.” 

The album is named after palomino-colored horses, which are light in color. The singers’ album name choice cleverly fits the freeing, “running through the fields” vibe of the album. 

The duo rose to fame when they uploaded a cover of the Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” in 2008. They are most known for their songs “My Silver Lining,” “Wolf” and “Emmylou,” the latter of which was on the Rolling Stone magazine’s “Single of the Year” list in 2012.  

Their music is a combination of country, folk and pop. Growing up listening to country music, the sisters wanted to recreate the folk-like feel in their own music. Additionally, the music blends their Swedish background with American undertones, creating masterpieces unlike what most have heard before. 

I really like the duo’s artistic style. I’ve listened to folk music before, but it hasn’t always hit the spot for me. First Aid Kit, however, really impressed me. The gentle guitar riffs paired with the singers’ lyrical voices make me feel like I’m running through a meadow in the springtime. I love how adventurous and whimsical their music feels. 

First Aid Kit has several other incredible albums, my favorite of which is “The Lion’s Roar.” The first song I listened to by them was “Wolf,” which is the last track in this album. My personal favorite by the duo, however, is “I Found a Way,” which contains a whimsically nostalgic flute melody. From other albums, I’d recommend “My Silver Lining” and “Walk Unafraid.”