Standout Track: No. 1, “Sharing Our Alone,” a bouncy folk-pop song reminiscent of early Wilco. Backed by lush strings and cavernous harmonies, lead singer and guitarist Andrew Grossman channels some of Jeff Tweedy’s laid-back twang in his vocals. Grossman says expect more of that: “Sharing Our Alone” is a blueprint for the sound of The North Country’s forthcoming album.

Musical Motivation: Grossman says “Sharing Our Alone” is a straightforward breakup song about “coming to terms with all the things you knew but didn’t want to admit to yourself about a relationship.” He sings: “I kept it alive for all that I know/But love won’t survive when there’s nowhere to go.” Grossman penned the song as means of coping with his most recent breakup, and writing it offered him some relief. Better yet, he had the opportunity to play it at a live show his ex attended. “That also felt like a good catharsis,” Grossman says.

Americana the Beautiful: The North Country toys with roots music and Americana (its name comes from Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country”), but other influences come through, too. The B-side of “Sharing Our Alone” is a cover of Radiohead’s “Optimistic.” Grossman’s most recent obsession? Ambient music wizard and super-producer Brian Eno. “It’s really interesting and really liberating,” the folkie says.

The North Country plays Aug. 25 at Galaxy Hut. Listen to “Sharing Our Alone” after the jump.