The Lion's Roar Wichita***

Locating to Omaha for the recording of their sophomore album, Johanna and Klara Söderberg cut a dash as great pretenders to the country throne. They start strongly. Emmylou pays homage to the great Ms Harris, and In the Hearts of Menreels the listener in with its gorgeous harmonies delivered with the sisters' irrepressible Southern (via Stockholm) twang. The Swedish siblings have plotted an ambitious course to land somewhere between Gillian Welch and Fleet Foxes. Still, their world-weary tales sometimes ring hollow coming from songwriters so young.

The second half lags under the weight of over-familiarity, so while Conor Oberst's guest turn on King of the Worldprovides a strong finish, the lingering feeling is of a record that is occasionally lightweight but undeniably pretty. See thisisfirstaidkit.com

Download tracks: In the Hearts of Men, Blue, King of the World