Bright-eyed and smart The Lion’s Roar starts off innocently minor key enough for a new duo of Swedish songbirds barely out of high school. But by the time the chorus sings, “I’m a goddamned coward but then so are you/ and the lion’s roar has me evading hollerin’ for you,” you’ll know that this won’t be one of your nice and wimpy folk albums.

Sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg are creating a splash in the wave of the new indie folk scene. Earning well deserved attention from people like Jack White, Fleet Foxes and Conor Oberst. The harmonies are as strong and present as any of the Foxes or Midlake, but the songs reflect their own unique stretch of the ethereal crossing with the sassy down-to-earth.

Some, like “Emmylou”, are pretty much straight-forwardly charming, “I’ll be your Emmylou and I’ll be your June/ if you be my Gram and Johnny to”. Others like the opening title track, “This Old Routine”, “To a Poet” (showcasing the beautifully perfect harmonizing that can only be realized between sisters) or “Dance to Another Tune” enter into flighty sixties European folkster territory.

The closing song, “King of the World”, includes appearances from old Bright Eyes himself, Conor Oberst. The Felice Brothers also play on the record, although the albums upbeat jovial nature and weary, world traveler lyrics really don’t need their help. The Lion’s Roar is a wintry reminder of how hopefully optimistic feelings can only be so much stronger when you’re young.