First Aid Kit celebrated the release of their new album ‘Who By Fire’ by holding an intimate livestream performance in their living room.
The Swedish sisters – Johanna and Klara Söderberg – put out the new live album on Friday (March 25). The record was captured at their Leonard Cohen-themed shows at Stockholm’s Royal Dramatic Theatre in 2017.
Introducing the livestream, Johanna said: “Today we’re celebrating the release of our new record – our tribute album to Leonard Cohen – ‘Who By Fire’.”
“We’re gonna be playing some songs, reciting some songs and hopefully you’ll have a nice time listening to us doing just that,” Klara added.
During the 20-minute performance, the duo played songs by Cohen including ‘Bird On A Wire’, Suzanne’, ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’, and ‘Sisters Of Mercy’. They were also joined by some guests during the performance, including pianist Gustaf and singer Maia Francis.
In a four-star review of ‘Who By Fire’, The Forty-Five’s Kate French-Morris said: “‘Who By Fire’ preserves the magic of a live show they played in Stockholm back in 2017 [where they] breathed life back into Leonard Cohen’s music without schmaltz or mawkishness.
“After Cohen’s death in 2016, First Aid Kit wrote their own letter. They described his work as “a guiding light for us these past ten years since we started making music, both a consolation and an arrow pointing at where to strive.” ‘Who By Fire’ stands as testament to the Söderbergs’ love for Leonard Cohen, and the towering glory of his songs.”
The album marks First Aid Kit’s first in three years, following 2019’s ‘Ruins’. That record saw them collaborate with the likes of R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and more.
