After the success of the excellent sophomore effort ‘Shadowbirds’ in 2014, Americana/alt-country outfit Red Sky July had quite the task on their hands of crafting an equally-brilliant follow-up. Based in the UK and comprised of Charity Hair (The Alice Band), plus married couple Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic) and Ally McErlaine (guitarist from Texas – the band that is), the trio’s work has consistently garnered superlative praise from national press, artists and fans alike. For me, they represent a much-needed antidote to the rush, noise and commercial drive of Music Row, a stripped-back approach that favours substance and roots over scoring a crossover hit.
On their new album ‘The Truth and The Lie’ – out Friday – they open with ‘Jet Trails’, a song which somewhat covers the topic of not fitting a mould or being perfectly marketable to the masses. “Your song’s too strange for Nashville and your face is not a ten,” the group sing, in a long list of examples of the worries that haunt us despite our defiance at standing out from the crowd. “As long as I am living how can I be going wrong?” Shelly asks on lead vocal, refusing to give in to the taunts inside her head. It’s the chorus though that brings it all together, promoting peace of mind and the will to just live life without overanalysing.
Thoughtful and unique observations on life and relationships are already characteristics of their music, but Red Sky July seem to really hone it on this record. The title track weaves a sultry, foot-tapping 60s pop sound with a playful lyric about secretly harbouring romantic feelings for your best friend, while ‘In Black’ mourns a relationship gone sour even as they remain tied to each other, folk fiddle wailing and the trio’s ethereal harmonies swirling in reverb. Lonesomeness and melancholy are old faithful for many Americana groups and Red Sky July are no exception, but ‘Earthwards’ shows that they know how to turn the concept on its head. The track’s musings on the loss of a loved one are rooted in reliving memories, and it’s set to a jaunty tune led by mandolin.
It’s not easy to write happy songs that steer clear of cheese and old clichés, and even less so in the genre of Americana. However, the majority of ‘The Truth and The Lie’ is geared towards positivity, empowerment, and revitalisation. ‘Dodge’ and ‘Long Time Dead’ celebrate getting out of the old routine and living a little more, while ‘Taking Myself Back’ and latest single ‘Walking Country Song’ find the strength to leave bad relationships with head held high. The former has one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard in a long time (I challenge you not to bop along), while the latter channels something of a 90s country style for a clever incorporation of classic country song titles into a narrative of a break-up. Continuing the 90s theme, the trio collaborate with Beth Nielsen Chapman on ‘Strathconon’, once again defying expectations by crafting an old Appalachian-style folk lullaby. Their harmonies here with Beth are beautiful, although their three-part harmonies in general remain the focus throughout the record and it’s one of their biggest selling points as a group.
The album ends on ‘Sway’, a pretty little stripped-back love song, just simple, heartfelt and serene. It’s fitting for a record that seems rooted in celebrating life and living in the moment, even as it touches on times of pain and sorrow. We can get so lost in the noise and the rush and the heartbreak of life, sometimes it’s nice to just stick a great album on, sit back, and let it fill you up. ‘The Truth and The Lie’ is certainly one of those great albums, and I’m glad to see Red Sky July continue to succeed.
Originally posted here.
