First Aid Kit bring Palomino to Seattle

The Paramount Theater audience was in for a double treat tonight as Hurray for the Riff Raff, and First Aid Kit were going to take the stage. Both bands are well loved and for those who are just discovering Hurray would become instant fans. First Aid Kit was in town in support of their fifth record, Palomino, and their fans were full of anticipation given that it’s been more than five years they played here. The Swedish folk duo was formed back in 2007 by sisters, Johanna and Klara Söderberg.

The show started with Hurray for the Riff Raff, fronted by singer/guitarist Alynda Segarra. The three piece band stood in the middle of the stage keeping it intimate. It’s always nice to see the drummer in the front and more part of the whole performance. The band started with “Alibi,” and newer, “RHODODENDRON.” Alynda introduced the two members before playing “SAGA,” from their latest album, Life On Earth, released last year. They introduced “The Body Electric,” by saying that they would like to see the day that the song is no longer relevant.

It was time for the main event and as the lights dimmed the three touring members stood in the back taking their spots. Then the two sisters appeared and came to the front where their two microphones were waiting for them. The background looked like a picture frame displaying vintage like videos through their set. They kicked off with eponymous, “Palomino,” “Angel,” and “It’s a Shame.”

Johanna then introduced herself and her sister Klara and they welcomed us to the Palomino Tour. She noted how happy they were to be back in the city and that it’s been too long since the last time. This was also their last stop of the tour and thanked everyone for being there. “This song is very fitting right now, it’s about moments you wish would last forever,” as they went on to play “Stay Gold.”

The duo also paid tribute to the late Christine McVie, by covering “Songbird,” in a breathtaking rendition. They said that they were so sad when she passed away and that they wanted to do a cover of one of the best songs ever written. They stood in the middle with a guitar and sang the Fleetwood Mac hit. Then they went on and spoke about the next one being from their first record which came out thirteen years ago. “It takes us back to when we first started and it was just us and our dad (Musician Benkt Söderberg), and we went around playing music for people. It was the best thing and we still get to do that, we’re so lucky to be here. This one’s called “Ghost Town.”

After performing just the two of them, for “Hem of Her Dress,” the band slowly one by one joined them in the middle standing all together playing different instruments. This was one of the best moments of the night, which brought the whole show together. It felt genuine and very intimate, exposing their emotions to the fans. They finished their main set with favorites, “Emmylou,” and “Fireworks,” as the audience sang along to their favorite tunes.

The band returned for their encore and the sisters changed their outfits for the last part. They played “Out of My Head,” “King of the World,” which ended with band introductions of Freja “Freja the Dragon” Drakenberg, Gabriel Runemark, and Johannes Runemark (all from Sweden.) They went on to cover “On the Road Again,” by Willie Nelson, and finish the show with “My Silver Lining.” This was truly a wonderful performance and a must see show. We’re so happy we were able to catch them in town this time and hoping it’s not going to take so long for them to return again.

Photos: Sophia Barkalakis @s.barkalakis