Album Review: Cool Dry Place by Katy Kirby

Cool Dry Place

Katy Kirby 

Keeled Scales 

Score: B-

Hailing from Texas, Katy Kirby’s debut album is bound to raise some heads. Cool Dry Place comes from a place of intimacy, like speaking to a friend about a love you never really got over. Kirby’s soothing voice is reminiscent of a wholesome hometown feeling from the girl next door. But her innocent voice belies a gift for meticulous lyric crafting. In “Portals”, she sings, “I can see through time in on a clear day / tastes like black grape and chlorine” and later on, “You’re a hand punched through a pane of glass / To get the handle on the other side”.

Lyrics like these reflect the mood and feel of the album as we follow Kirby navigating her relationships with others and the world. The record is purposefully simplistic as to not overwhelm the listeners but guide them through an acoustic journey of introspection. Cool Dry Place reaches its crescendo at the latter part of the album on the song bearing the name of the album, marking the end of a rhythmic journey. “Fireman” feels like a mini-epilogue of sorts that wraps up the album neatly, like a goodbye gift to the audience’s ears. The rest of the album is remarkably consistent, as Kirby maintains an air of wonder and gentleness while delivering contemplative lyrics.

—Keoputhy Bunny