Palomino horses aren’t usually born with the golden coats that they’re eventually known for. Instead, they grow into their striking splendor as the years pass, brandishing these colors with age. In similar fashion, First Aid Kit have grown into the majesty and magic of their sound. The sister duo—Klara and Johanna Söderberg—share stories of heartbreak, happiness, life, and love above a patchwork of natural instrumentation. After quietly amassing over 1 billion streams and counting and earning widespread acclaim, the duo shine like never before on their 2022 fifth full-length, the aptly titled Palomino [Columbia Records].
“Palomino represents freedom,” notes Johanna. “A lot has happened since our last album. That was a very depressing time. I broke up with my fiancé after we’d been together for five years. Singing about the breakup was really tough. During the tour (for Ruins) Klara and I decided this record had to be hopeful and lighter. I think it really is.”
“We’ve grown up,” Klara agrees. “As we get older, the music is more about having fun and being positive. We wanted the songs to be joyous. It’s like a Phoenix rising from the ashes—or a Palomino riding through the desert,” she smiles.
