Live Report: Folk Bitch Trio showed off their melancholy style with a captivating Whelan's gig

With boygenius on hiatus, a new trio is filling the void. On Friday night, Folk Bitch Trio astonished Whelan's with their delicate alternative indie-folk sound.

The Melbourne-based band formed in 2020, and comprises Gracie Sinclair, Jeanie Pilkington and Heide Peverelle. In July, they released their debut album Now Would Be a Good Time, which they brought to life in an intimate Dublin setting.

Taking to the stage in black monochrome outfits, the group opened the night with, a melodic, chant-like cover of 'This Must Be the Place' by Talking Heads. Other than the lyrics, their rendition of the track was unrecognisable from the original, taking on a slow, somber tone. It was a prime example of Folk Bitch Trio's distinctive style and ability to make a song their own.

Folk Bitch Trio at Whelan's on August 22nd, 2025. Copyright Grace Swartout/ hotpress.com

Continuing their set of etherial harmonies accompanied only by guitar, the band performed 'The Actor'. The number felt angry through its jumpy guitar riffs, while still maintaining the band's overall melancholy atmosphere; reminiscent of Mitski's style.

On the profound, sorrowful Lucy Dacus adjacent 'Moth Song', Sinclair took centre stage with the occasional guitar strum, performing by herself for most of the song. This added intimacy to one of the band's darker tracks.

Folk Bitch Trio at Whelan's on August 22nd, 2025. Copyright Grace Swartout/ hotpress.com

Displaying their full range, Folk Bitch Trio performed their lively, staccato 'Sarah'. The tune took on a folky feel comparable to Adrianne Lenker. The lyrics discussed a failing relationship, and the sharp, bouncy guitar work had more than a couple of onlookers stomping their feet.

They shifted into 'Mary's Playing the Harp'.

The graceful tune's slow, melodic harmonies, described as "a bummer" Pilkington by and gentle, fluid guitar chords entranced listeners as they fell completely silent.

To close out the show, the trio played their 'Analogue'. The track veered from their usual style, taking on a more 2000s pop-rock, Florence & The Machine, tone with an impassioned lyrical delivery.

Folk Bitch Trio, and their recognisable emotional and lyrically heavy tunes, is a band to keep an eye on.