Label: Jagjaguwar
Released: 25th July 2025
Now this may shock you, but Folk Bitch Trio make folk music. Laden with faultless harmony and heartbreaking narratives, it combines enough traditional elements to keep it rooted in its Americana origins, whilst keeping it fresh with enough modern-day trauma to rival an emo record. All of this intertwines to create a seamless debut, ‘Now Would Be A Good Time’.
The existential dread of opener ‘God’s A Different Sword’ – a tale of low self-esteem and a need for affection – perfectly sets up what’s to follow, with crispy acoustic guitar blending seamlessly with crystal clear vocals and irresistible melody. ‘The Actor’ showcases the trio’s knack for harmony, illuminating whispers of Emmylou Harris and other folk greats.
This is no pale imitation of the 70s, though, with the album being more about a journey of self-discovery built by the experiences of heartbreak, situationships, and camaraderie, instead of tales of whiskey bars or wanting your girl back, expertly crafted in ‘Cathode Ray’ and ‘Hotel TV’.
By the time you reach burnout-explainer and closer ‘Mary Plays The Harp’, it’s clear that Folk Bitch Trio have stumbled across a winning formula, creating something that sounds familiar enough to get you comfortable, before grabbing hold of your heartstrings and squeezing until you feel every inch of pain etched across the record.
It does exactly what a debut should: it’s an introduction to what Folk Bitch Trio are all about. Unapologetic in every sense, there’s little doubt that they’re destined for big things.
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