RED SKY JULY – Shadowbirds
aaamusic | On 17, Sep 2014
London alternative country trio Red Sky July comprises Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic), husband Ally McErlaine (Texas) and former model Charity Hair (The Alice Band). Their critically acclaimed self titled debut album was released in 2011 and at the Scottish Music Awards in 2012 they received a prestigious Tartan Clef.
Shadowbirds, their ten track second album released on 15th September, 2014 on Absolute, was produced by Ross Hamilton and Michael Bannister. Shelly says ‘We just wanted to make something beautiful’ and stories of love, loss, hope and despair are told through fast moving tracks and slow country ballads.
Charming rocky number ‘Lay Down Your Love’ is followed by the upbeat and passionate ‘Here Then Gone’ and ‘Losing You’, a sad story about a relationship where two people are gradually growing apart. ‘New Morning Light’ remains positive and enjoyable despite the sad melody, whilst the title track ‘Shadowbirds’ is sensual and soulful. Infectious ‘Warm My Heart’ is a joyful bluegrass song that sounds rich and well crafted.
Influenced by Americana, Shadowbirds has the country atmosphere of Nashville.
It was recorded in only one week, but sounds like an album matured for very much longer. The songs have a raw, natural and emotional feel with fine harmonies and good instrumentals.
Anthony Weightman
