aaamusic | On 16, Oct 2011

Red Sky July is an alternative country trio created in 2009 by Texas guitarist Ally McErlaine (formerly Texas) , his wife Shelly Poole (formerly Alisha’s Attic) and Charity Hair (formerly The Alice Band). Considering their previous successes, they’re an experienced, talented and impressive band.

Their debut self titled album is released on the 18th October, 2011 on Proper Records. McErlaine suffered a serious brain aneurysm for over a year before recording, so it’s a tribute to his determination that this atmospheric and inspiring album was actually made.

How to Get Your Love excellently expresses the anxiety and desperation of a futile romantic chase while White Feather is a touching, emotional song with a wonderful heavenly chorus. Rivers Wild is gentle, delicate and exquisite with the support of an incredible vocal range.

This is a confident and beautifully crafted recording of Americana where the sublime vocal harmonies of Poole and Hair complement the reflective melodies and intricate acoustic guitar work of McErlaine. It’s possibly not folk music, but the warming, pleasant and dreamy nature of the songs will probably make them popular and accessible to a wide audience. The traditional feel of the music they play helps make it timeless. It’s well produced in a soulful, mysterious and unpretentious way.

Track listing: 1. Hymek 2. Morning Song 3. Already Gone 4. How to Get Your Love 5. The Gold Hour 6. Evening Song 7. Loving You’s Easy 8. Tables Turn 9. Rivers Wild 10. Green Country Lanes 11. White Feather 12. The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA.

Anthony Weightman