Folk Bitch Trio Now Would Be A Good Time

Critic's Take

Folk Bitch Trio's debut Now Would Be A Good Time feels immediately familiar and often charming in tone, which is why the best tracks - notably “Cathode Ray” and “Moth Song” - register as the record's real highlights. Shaun Soman writes with a candid, comparative eye, noting how the trio's likeness to Julia Jacklin makes the album accessible but at times too close to a template. He flags “God's a Different Sword” and “Foreign Bird” for their memorable lyrics while praising the guest violin on “Moth Song” for anchoring its emotional climax. In short, searchers asking "best songs on Now Would Be A Good Time" will find the reviewer pointing to "Cathode Ray" and "Moth Song" as the standouts, even as the record can feel worn-out in spots.

Key Points

• The best song(s) like "Cathode Ray" and "Moth Song" are the most sonically powerful and emotionally resonant on the record.
• The album's core strengths are memorable lyrics and effective instrumentation, though its similarity to Julia Jacklin limits originality.

Themes

Critic's Take

Folk Bitch Trio sound almost preternaturally assured on Now Would Be A Good Time, their debut stitched together by magnificent three-part harmonies and a dark, strange atmosphere. The review revels in the way songs like “The Actor” and “Mary’s Playing the Harp” turn vivid, wittily drawn portraits and yearning into sweeping drama. Short, acerbic observations and a richness of melody make tracks such as “That’s All She Wrote” and “I’ll Find A Way (To Carry It All)” stand out as best songs on the album. It feels like a fully formed record that lingers long after the final notes ring out.

Key Points

• The best song is the closer, "Mary’s Playing the Harp", for its yearning narrative and evocative, cinematic setting.
• The album’s core strengths are its magnificent three-part harmonies, deft melodies, and a persistent, darkly strange atmosphere.

Themes

Critic's Take

Folk Bitch Trio make a debut that feels at once original and comforting, and on Now Would Be A Good Time the best songs - “God’s A Different Sword” and “Mary’s Playing The Harp” - crystallise that quiet power. Robin Murray writes with warm, uncluttered clarity, noting how “God’s A Different Sword” is a soothing yet dark hymnal and how the taped-live “Mary’s Playing The Harp” unbricks the wall between band and audience. The record’s small gestures - from the sensual guilt of “Hotel TV” to the icy chills of “Cathode Ray” - add up to songwriting of rare emotional power. This is a succinct, frequently exceptional debut that rewards close listening and repeat plays.

Key Points

• The best song, "God's A Different Sword", sets the tone with a soothing yet dark hymnal quality that anchors the album.
• The album's core strengths are minimalist, folk-hewn songwriting, close harmonies, and an understated intensity that rewards repeat listens.

Themes

Critic's Take

Folk Bitch Trio keeps a fireside intimacy across Now Would Be A Good Time, and the reviewer singles out opener “God's a Different Sword” as a setting-the-scene standout with its warm, dusky strums. The review highlights the candid storytelling of “Hotel TV” and the cyclical tension of “The Actor” as emblematic best tracks on the album, praised for clever lyrics and converging voices. Sandiford's tone is appreciative and observant, noting wit and endurance in the trio's delivery while valuing the album's blend of folk, Americana and classic rock. Overall, the record rewards attentive listening even if it doesn't fully break new ground.

Key Points

• The best song, opener "God's a Different Sword", is best for setting atmosphere with warm instrumentation and converging voices.
• The album's core strengths are intimate, candid storytelling and a blend of folk, Americana and classic rock.