Live Review: First Aid Kit, Stella Donnelly

Singing vignettes about a colourful cast of characters from racist family members to horrible ex-bosses, Fremantle local Stella Donnelly warms the crowd up with her "rude Australian songs". Lines like "You're jacking off to CCTV/while I'm pouring pots of flat VB", show the inner street poet in Donnelly, albeit one richly entrenched in Aussie culture. 

Donnelly's quirky stage presence and humorous asides give the impression of a busker as her lovely pop/folk vibes and amazing vocal range make for a supremely engaging set.

First Aid Kit make their triumphant entrance to the deep rumble of a bass line and pulsating, flashing red lights. First comes the band, all dressed in black, while sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg soon follow, pretty in pink, like roses among the thorns as they punch out stirring versions of Rebel Heart and It's A Shame off their latest record, Ruins.

Although hailing from Sweden, the folk duo have a distinctly American sound and pedal steel guitar adds a country tinge to their music. Despite this, Johanna describes new song Postcard ironically as, "The most country sounding song we've ever written." 

Each song brings a change of guitar for Klara and bass for Johanna and the pair share a great dynamic (being sisters would help). Johanna's low harmonies and Klara's higher vocal range are a match made in folk heaven. 

Their stage presence is simply a delight to watch and folk harmonies aside, the pair can still rock out. There is headbanging in the glorious The Lion's Roar and, on an angrier note, You Are The Problem Here speaks out against men that have ever abused women, mentally or physically. Klara's passionate speech that follows ("We need to have this conversation") is met with roars of approval.

"Anyway, now back to our normal sad songs," jokes Johanna as the band get to lovely folk songs with the touching To Live A Life, the sweet My Wild Sweet Love and Don Schlitz's country classic, The Gambler, which is the most warmly received on the night. 

Introducing each band member with an entertaining and unique trait, it is keyboardist Steve Moore who stands out the most with his sunnies, beard and luscious long locks. The girls' chemistry with the band is obvious as both make repeated trips to interact with each member. Fan favourite Emmylou has the whole crowd singing along as the band departs for their imminent encore.

Returning for an intimate version of Hem Of Her Dress, complete with mandolin and trombone, First Aid Kit dutifully close with highlight of the night, My Silver Lining, as the sisters' gorgeous harmonies send us off to a better place.