The Laurel Canyon sounds of the 1960's and 1970's helped define a generation of music. From The Byrds to Buffalo Springfield and Joni Mitchell to Jackson Browne, the country rock infused music coming from legendary clubs like the Troubadour inspired future generations of musicians even as the Los Angeles music scene shifted.
Today, artists like Dawes and Sam Outlaw have kept that spirit alive in Southern California, but a group from a surprising source is also producing outstanding music like the legends of the canyon. Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg are better known as First Aid Kit and just announced their 3rd album Ruins comes out January 19th to kick off the new year. Their first two albums, The Lion's Roar and Stay Gold, featured unique takes on folk rock, however the first tastes from the new album show a more Laurel Canyon infused sound.
It's hard not to think of Linda Ronstadt listening to "It's A Shame". Five weeks in Los Angeles' beautiful scenery helped inspire the song as they struggled to get over the emotional impact of an ended relationship.
"Postcard" features a more prominent country sound as Klara and Johanna harmonize beautifully, one of the staples from the canyon.
Although more music today is heavily produced, First Aid Kit is rekindling a classic sound for the modern age. Expect them to inspire more bands to do the same.
