Folk Bitch Trio- “Now Would Be A Good Time” review
Written by Beau Croxton
Folk Bitch Trio by Copper Taylor-Bogaars
Folk Bitch Trio’s debut album, Now Would Be A Good Time, is a harmonious, delightful and often-stunning record— it serves as a very promising introduction for a significantly talented group.
Folk Bitch Trio is one of the most exciting indie groups of the moment– they have a fresh approach to the folk genre that blends more contemporary themes into its traditional foundations. Their approach is a much more accessible and refreshing spin on a genre that can often be overly serious. Their debut album, Now Would Be A Good Time, is a fresh breath of air— it delivers this lighter approach with strong, shared songwriting that is lifted by their calculated, technical, and soaring three-part harmonies. The album was created in New Zealand with warm, direct-to-tape production courtesy of Tom Healy. The setup is quite minimalistic: the trio’s harmonious vocals are often paired with just an acoustic and electric guitar, while at other times the trio are additionally accompanied by very subtle drums, violin, and bass. Despite most of the record being instrumentally light, the way the group expertly builds on dynamics and emotion in their songcraft can feel truly cathartic and intense. In doing so, they find a power in their subtlety and dynamics that many groups rarely achieve.
“God’s a Different Sword” is a smooth and captivating song to open the record. It carries a gorgeous sense of optimism that urges you to mellow out and let the record take you away. This is quite the perfect introductory track to the group in general– it lures you into what they do best in a delightful, approachable and absorbing way.
“Hotel TV” touches on the subject of having a sexy dream next to your significant other “to the noise of the Hotel TV”. Right off the bat, the band demonstrates their unique approach of combining traditional folk instrumentation and songwriting with themes that aren’t usually paired with the genre.
I’ll be real with you– “The Actor” is possibly the most beautiful song I’ve heard this year– at least on a melodic level. The story details a much less pretty outcome– where an intense and passionate relationship with an actor results in a breakup at their theater performance. But it's full of sweeping and soaring harmonies, and twinkling keys that do wonders to make it sound like it's the most profound and wonderful experience imaginable.
Now Would Be A Good Time album art. Out now via Jagjaguwar
“Moth Song” is a stunning track that name-checks members of the band. It’s a standout with some of the most incredible vocal-runs on the record. There's a nostalgic “Teach your Children”-style CSNY 60’s vibe that runs through it— it feels very cozy and familiar. The violin drives up the drama in such a stunning way. Gracie Sinclair notes it’s about “being so spun out by everything that you feel like you’re delusional and hallucinating crazy things.” Well, despite the drama…what a beautiful trip…I’ll have what they're having.
“I’ll Find a Way (To Carry It All)” is quite a flex, as the track is carried entirely by acapella vocals. It’s a cover of a Ted Lucas song, and the group’s precise vocal chops bring their rendition into its own unique light. The record often feels like “siren songs” that lure you in, or lullabies that rock you into a blissful, dreamy state…and this track is no different.
“Cathode Ray” has a seductive opening with beautiful guitar harmonics and acoustics, which are quickly enveloped by a sea of rich harmonies. The trio plays with dynamics in a great way here, dialing up the intensity of the vocals and then seamlessly dropping them to a hush– It's an easy highlight.
The songs on Now Would Be A Good Time work best when they have a great sense of momentum, where the trio drives their harmonies into cathartic, soaring peaks– like on “Foreign Bird”. The track’s finale is one of the most beautiful crescendos on Now Would be a Good Time.
The album concludes with a trio of more subtle tracks. “That’s All She Wrote” details feeling alone even in the midst of romantic intimacy– further expanding their more modern approach to the folk genre. “Sarah” has a more conflicted and uncertain love story in the lyrics, but despite that, it carries a playful vibe that is highlighted by excellent background guitar work. Both are a bit more quiet moments on the record, but at the same time— the sense of intimacy brought towards the end of the album is quite nice.
“Mary’s Playing The Harp” manages to feel like an even more up-close-and-personal performance than the rest of the record. It feels almost like you are listening to this trio perform live in a tiny bar, transfixed along with the rest of the audience as the music sweeps everyone away. There is a large sense of breathing room, you can feel the silence in between verses— the tape hiss creates an intimate atmosphere.
Now Would Be A Good Time is nothing but serene indiefolk, full of vocal harmonies that feel like a beautiful, cool breeze on a hot summer day— it feels healing to let this soothing music into your life. Although it can get a little sparse at times on the deep cuts, the arc of the record allows the highlights to shine as breathtaking peaks. It feels very classic and contemporary at the same time– and it’s very obvious (as soon as you press play) that this group has seriously striking vocal skills and great songwriting that will surely make them a household name.
Now Would Be A Good Time leans into the more beautiful, uplifting and immediately enjoyable aspects of harmonious folk. Again, it's so much less grimly serious than a lot of folk music. The most successful element of the record is the band’s immense talent— their take on folk is so gorgeous and accessible, that anyone who may not be initially interested in the genre can really enjoy it. It's an incredible feat– especially for a debut and their future is quite promising.
Now Would Be A Good Time is also perfect name for this record– because with all the noise in the world right now, now would be a good time to close your eyes, tune out of the noise and let this harmonious record sweep you away into a serene and beautiful state of mind.
Occult Highlights: The Actor, Moth Song, Cathode Ray, God’s a Different Sword, Foreign Bird
(…but we recommend you play the whole thing on a beautiful summer morning stroll)