By

Rob Jones

A still sombre Sunday forms what is in reality a misty morning. I am laid low with a winter lurgy! One is seeking comfort and musical medication comes in the form of the fourth Red Sky July album which is ironically entitled – ‘Misty Morning’ and is out on Shadowbirds Records! The ten tracks on offer present a blanket of beauty that certainly softens the blow of a February fever. Interested to learn more? You should be – because this work has no seasonal boundaries because this collection will no doubt offer a different delight on a summer’s afternoon (and the band’s name indicates).
Red Sky July was formed as the trio of Ally McErlaine (ex-Texas), Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic) and now Haley Glennie-Smith (of the Planet Earth live tour). The fresh tunes have sweet vocals and luscious harmonies which are wed to a renowned Americana-country core with a modern folk vibe to the fore.

10 tracks feature deeply personal lyrics about the journey of life and that narrative nestles over lush melodies. Vocalist Haley Glennie-Smith (who has replaced Charity Hair) adds to the purity which takes a lead from the past but uses instrumentation of the present – and the union with husband and wife, Ally and Shelly unites a trinity – that since 2008 has mushroomed.
Poole says: “we challenged the instrumentation involved in the folk and Americana genres and used a lot of delays and electronic drones to create a much more cinematic sound. We also layered up some ‘found sound’ that we recorded in Scotland, Ireland, America, Spain and everywhere else on our travels. We made synth drones out of them, which became the bedrock of the album, sound-wise”. Shelly goes on to state: “our aim was to shake up the perception of what folk music means.”

The Scottish Music Awards have afforded the band a Tartan Clef Award, and the thoughtful three have also lit up festivals e.g. Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, T in the Park and C2C: Country to Country. There have also been prestigious support slots with the likes of: Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, Steve Earle, Deacon Blue, 10CC, Tom Jones and Jools Holland. Session slots with a range of radio royalty have also put this talented trinity on a pop pedestal.
Misty Morning features a range of tracks that explore themes of love, resilience, and the beauty of nature. In an era where seemingly anyone and everyone picks up an acoustic guitar and floats on the contemporary wave of singer-songwriter overload. However, the search for genius ends here because this record is awash with experimentation, expertise and excellence. The current single ‘Stars turn Cold’ is also on board.
Vinyl Tracklisting:

SIDE 1
1. Stones And Brambles
2. Kings Of Better Things
3. I Found Angels
4. Utah (ft. Joe Hammill)
5. Platform 5

SIDE 2
1. Two Magicians
2. Misty Morning
3. Stars Turn Cold
4. Pool Party
5. Cut Me Down

Previous acclaim for Red Sky July includes:
“A timeless blend of vocals & intricate twang” – Q
“Could grace any multi-selling Nashville release” – Daily Express
“Pleasantly slick musicianship, fine female harmonies” – The Guardian
“A joyous blend of indie and country” – Daily Record
“I just think they’re wonderful”- Baylen Leonard, Absolute Radio Country
“Just exquisite!”- Bernie Keith, BBC Radio Nottinghamshire
“A seductive, exuberant mix of voices”

Evening Standard

“Touching lyrics and beautiful melodies”- BBC Radio 2

For additional information, including pre-order details and exclusive content, visit www.redskyjuly.com