Immediately the drums filled the concert hall with a tribal energy as they started the show, the clarity and conciseness of their vocals brought home that authentic but modern country feel to the heart of Brighton. The opening number 'The Lions Roar' was followed by "Stay Gold" the title track of their album and world tour which was performed effortlessly in stark contrast to the opening.
At the same time there was also sense of nostalgia in the air as First Aid Kit apologised for the long gap between visits to Brighton but confessed to looking on Zoopla daily at places they could fantasise living in, "you guys are so lucky".
You could easily be convinced that First Aid Kit are a Southern US country duet (if you did not know any better) but anyone falling for their authenticity would be mistaken as they discussed their special connection and attachment to Eurovision and the Dome when Abba won it here in 1974. Clara and Johanna's strong personalities shone throughout the night while their on stage presence engaged well with the mixed seated and standing crowd. It is First Aid Kit's use of melodic harmonies that moved me beyond anything else and how they worked in composition with the very simple musical set up. There were clearly many favourites songs during their performance which you could see by the audience's response and their reaction to the rousing choruses, which had the majority of the crowd singing in unison and swaying along with their compadres..
Tipping their hat to their musical forefather Paul Simon and describing how they played for their icon recently they have also collaborated with the likes of Jack, the mastermind behind Third Man Records, who they supported on his Lazzaretta tour. Their powerful rendition of "Love Interrupted" really showed their skills as vocalists and they opted to use no P.A. only the use of the natural acoustics in the room which really elevated the audience.