Dear County, Low Country

Dear County

Low Country

Reviewed by: Julia Cirignano

Low Country is Dear County’s debut album. Consisting of Arrica Rose, Mark W. Lynn, Michael Smartt, Nelson Saarni and Julia Napier, this band has created a truly one of a kind California-country and soul album. With backgrounds in punk rock, Rose and Lynn founded the band, and later added the other three members.

On Low Country, Rose’s vocals are haunting and thick as molasses. Her voice is unique. She pronounces each word with such eloquent importance that you are almost forced to listen to what she has to say. While listening to the album, I can fully envision Rose smacking her cherry red painted lips, vein ripping through her neck, and notes slipping through her quivering jaw. Her voice is passionate which creates a great contrast against the seemingly casual instrumentals.

Rose secretes the lyrics, “Oh baby let’s dance like it wouldn’t be easy,” at the beginning of their eighth track as if the lyrics were a virus she wants to rid of her body; a virus you will inevitably catch. She stops you in your tracks as she chokes on lyrics and spits them out at you with such articulate passion.  Although the album is included in the country genre, there are hints of the inspiration via ’60s soul, ’70s rock and roll, and indie rock. Low Country is unlike any country album that has ever been released, and it is definitely worth a listen or twenty.

Rating: Iconic