A great folk rock song can stand alone with just the singer and their guitar, and also be accented through a supporting band. It is easy to envision Augusta writing “She Begs” – the latest single from the Parisian folk-pop singer – alone with her guitar. However, in the tradition of her folk-pop contemporaries and those she takes influence from, it is brought to life through the backing instrumentation of the light lead guitar lines and simple pace of the waltzing drums.
Augusta has been releasing music on Bandcamp since 2022, and “She Begs” is yet another promising and captivating entry. She draws the listener in with her alluring vocals and an elegant melancholy that is layered throughout the entirety of the song. The guitar work is crisp, especially the clean electric lead that enters in the second verse. In classic singer-songwriter fashion, her lyrics make the song whole. The chorus chimes in “But quit talking about the shower, the power it’ll cause me to kneel… And quit walking me to water, like a horse, you can’t force me to feed”. She poetically tells a tale of longing and grief, which sounds relatable but new. Influence from Joni Mitchell and perhaps even Sharon Van Etten can be heard, but Augusta has a distinct and singular style.
“She Begs” will be featured on Augusta’s third EP, “Make a River of My Spine”. Set to be released in 2026, it already looks to be a bright spot for folk pop releases in the upcoming year.
Written by C.S. Comfort
