Good Habits – Better for Now (2026)

Emerging from a unique genesis during the Covid-19 pandemic, Good Habits have crafted a distinctive voice within the British folk scene by continuously evolving their sound and thematic scope. The band, anchored by the songwriting partnership of Bonnie Schwarz and Pete Shaw, first collaborated while isolated in New Zealand, a circumstance that seeded their initial releases and shaped their artistic direction.

Schwarz, whose cello and vocals are central to the band's identity, and Shaw, who contributes accordion and synthesizers, have been instrumental in pushing the ensemble’s stylistic boundaries. Since their 2020 debut single "Lullaby from the Rain," which explored themes of familial bonds and separation, the duo has expanded their lineup and musical ambition. Their early work was characterized by a fluid interplay of folk traditions and electronic experimentation, reflecting the uncertainties and dynamism of a world in flux.

Their third album, 2024’s "Quarter-Life," marked a significant development in their sound, incorporating contributions from notable folk figures such as Angeline Morrison and violinist Alex Garden. This album laid the groundwork for the further exploration seen in their latest release, "Better for Now," scheduled for 2026. The new album intensifies the band’s engagement with a broad spectrum of influences, ranging from trance-inflected folk rhythms suitable for festival stages to intimate acoustic ballads.

Tracks released ahead of the album illustrate this duality. "Ideas" features Schwarz’s plucked cello underscoring her expressive, nuanced vocal delivery, supported by Shaw’s accordion that provides unexpected structural depth. The song’s energy is both delicate and elevated, capturing a sense of human vulnerability intertwined with exuberance. In contrast, "Uetze" leans into minimal electronic textures, with a subtle pulse that evokes a fusion of disco and trance, drawing an imaginative comparison to an existential ABBA reimagined for a German festival setting.

Lyrically, "Better for Now" consistently addresses the complexities of interpersonal connections, whether professional or romantic. The album’s thematic cohesion revolves around companionship and creative collaboration as sources of resilience and joy. This motif recurs in tracks like "Reading Song," which celebrates the interplay between cultural consumption and personal reflection, while also touching on nostalgia and familial ties. Here, Schwarz’s vocals adopt a rawer quality, her regional accent lending authenticity and texture to the storytelling.

Despite its upbeat moments, the album does not shy away from exploring more somber or introspective territory. "Body of Mine" offers a poignant commentary on body image and the societal pressures that shape it, delivering a personal yet incisive critique. Similarly, "What Will Become of Me?" succinctly encapsulates tensions surrounding consumerism, environmental concerns, and emotional exhaustion, all within an engaging folk-pop framework. Schwarz’s capacity to embed sharp social insights within buoyant melodies adds a layer of complexity that invites repeated listening.

Musically, the album balances intricate arrangements with spirited performances. The opening track, "Different Eyes," gradually builds to a powerful climax that contrasts lyrical vulnerability with musical intensity, revealing the duo’s meticulous approach to songwriting. "Keeping an Eye" continues this interplay, combining buoyant percussion with soaring cello and dynamic accordion, showcasing Schwarz’s cello as a versatile instrument capable of both melodic and soloistic expression.

The nuanced layering extends to "The Point of No Return," which begins with sparse vocal and cello textures before evolving through subtle electronic enhancements and percussion into a lush soundscape. Shaw’s accordion solos add emotional depth, bordering on expressionism. The album closes with "So Easy," a tender reflection on love and intimacy, characterized by delicate keyboard and cello interplay and lyrics that evoke a sense of serene wonder.

Throughout "Better for Now," Good Habits demonstrate a commitment to both technical excellence and emotional authenticity. Their willingness to traverse diverse genres while maintaining a cohesive thematic focus positions them as one of the most compelling acts in contemporary British folk music. This album not only affirms their artistic growth but also highlights their ability to engage with pressing social issues through a uniquely vibrant musical lens.

Details on the full tracklist and additional collaborators remain limited ahead of the album's release. However, the material shared so far suggests that Good Habits continue to refine a signature sound that is as intellectually stimulating as it is sonically adventurous, promising a significant contribution to the music landscape in 2026.