Anyhow, I don’t really get that bit about them being “handled” by people telling them what to do and how to make it.
They’d already been signed and even released their first EP before they posted that Fleet Foxes cover on YouTube.
That EP, and their 2010 album, which made up about half of the Toronto set, were completely written and performed by the sisters (except for the drums), and the only real help they had was by their father – an old punk rock bassist – who served as producer.

They didn’t really get any outside assistance at all before they headed to Omaha to record their latest album with producer Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes.
By that time, they had already toured Europe, North America and Australia.

You didn’t like what you saw (and heard), and that’s perfectly fine, but no need to find it “demoralizing”.
Those girls are fully in charge of their own careers.
They may not have evolved to your liking, but hey, you’ll always have YouTube. 😉

In 1980 I was attending bible college on the outskirts of Toronto. In the spring a group of us, young, sure of our faith, headed out to the island. On our way back on the ferry (I love ferries) the sun was setting low behind the city. A brilliant orange ball of cosmic glory shining in front of us. We broke out into a rousing chorus of ‘Our God Reigns’ on the forward deck of the ferry.

I never felt so awkward in my life.

You weren’t in the least harsh and have not a thing to apologize for. In fact, I thank you for retuning me to Peggy Sue and for now turning me on to Fiawna Forte!

I think I’m actually entirely with you on this. I preferred Peggy Sue to First Aid Kit, too, there was some grit to them, a feeling that they had to work toward the grace that feel so innocently and easily to the Soderbeg girls. Their music was certainly more interesting and varied, and I would very much like to hear more.