Rarely do I give a first listen to a CD and then immediately play it again because it sounded so good but Come In, Keep Dry is that good. A live performance by Dear August sounds just as good as the CD.
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Dear August: "Come in, Keep Dry"

In Dear August’s sophomore release, "Come In, Keep Dry," the band has knit together a lush sonic Americana fabric that rustles and waves with assurance between toe-tapping textured neo-folk, assured twelve-string alt-country, and moody blue balladry. Adrienne Cole, the primary vocalist and songwriter for Dear August, owns a voice beautifully stained with the aftermath of midnight whiskeys, blunts and cigarettes, while her deft lyrical flashlight lends a distinct chiaroscuro illumination to the politics of human dysfunction, separation and loss. The lush almost spacey work of Dear August’s other lyrical and vocal horse, guitarist Dan O’Brien, serves as perfect counterbalance to Cole’s shoot from the heart stylings. Standout tracks? Cole’s slickly observant “Slack Black Jacket” as well as the two O’Brien contributions, the superbly repetitious and infectious “Jasper” and “Mirror.” Between “Mirror” and Cole’s subtly mournful “Girl Up the Road”—probably my favorite single track—I’ve caught my brainpan burning all day long with a severe case of Dear August-itis. It’s a disease I recommend you catch. Soon.
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A well-crafted album! The lyrics are above and beyond typical, laced with rich storytelling. It's clear the musicians in this band have their eyes on the prize, playing harmoniously with her soothing yet rustic vocals. Bravo!
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A great taste of Midwestern Americana Folk Rock without the sappy, sad narcissism that is too common from this genre. Raucous at times, quiet at times, and in between at times. As well, great instrumentation and arrangements keep this recording from bordering on monotonous formsong to song. Give a listen, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Dear August!!
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