At first, it comes as a surprise that a band as traditionally folksy as Wet Mut could come from New York. However, a closer look at their new single “Girl from the North Country” (streaming below) reveals unconventional elements like scratching, slow guitars and broken male-female harmonies. These sounds belong somewhere between the freak-folk groups of New England and mainstream complainers like Sufjan Stevens. By reimagining classic folk music with New York influences, Wet Mut saves themselves from making that tired Coachella folk-pop that you don’t want to hear—instead, their original tracks quietly challenge with a sound they’ve let sour just enough. All Bandcamp proceeds from their LP Nightlight are going to a Providence-based anti-fracking organization. –Allie Miller
