Misty Morning by Red Sky July – Album Review
By Ellie Victor
With Misty Morning, Red Sky July take a bold step forward, expanding the boundaries of their folk Americana while delivering an elevated sense of craftsmanship. The trio—comprising husband and wife duo Ally McErlaine (Texas) and Shelly Poole (ex-Alisha’s Attic), along with additional vocalist, Haley Glennie-Smith—have crafted a record rich in dreamy arrangements, sweet harmonies, and a sophisticated blend of electronic layering against a folky backdrop.
The collection evokes the ethereal musings of modern folk adventurers like Nadine Shah, This Is The Kit and Ane Brun, coupled with heavenly harmonies reminiscent of First Aid Kit. It’s a sound both familiar and fresh, steeped in nostalgia yet brimming with forward-thinking ambition.
Opener ‘Stones and Brambles’ is a sunshine ramble that feels like a warm embrace. Its simplicity is deceptive, drawing the listener into a world where the past and present meld seamlessly. Poole’s vocals shine against McErlaine’s delicate picking. The lyrical sentiment of enduring friendship is uplifting, reminding us of the ties that bind through life’s brambles.
Red Sky July, 2025
image: Dougie Souness
“Poignant exploration”
“Kings of Better Things” starts similarly but builds into something grander. The layered folk-pop arrangement swells with optimism, a hopeful anthem for those finding strength amidst uncertainty. The track’s intricate production underlines the band’s evolution, with electronic textures adding depth without overshadowing the organic core of their sound.
The album’s Americana influences hit their stride on ‘Utah’, a duet with Joe Hammill that calls to mind The Handsome Family’s widescreen storytelling. The interplay between Hammill’s resonant tones and Poole’s gentle melodies offers a poignant exploration of restlessness and the search for meaning. The track’s narrative style, combined with its stripped-back arrangement, makes for a cinematic listen.
‘Platform 5’ leans heavily into traditional folk, capturing a snapshot of everyday life with an elegance reminiscent of The Unthanks. Glennie-Smith’s influence is palpable here, the arrangement simple yet evocative, with airy vocals and gentle guitar weaving a tapestry of quiet beauty.
“Moment in time”
The title track is perhaps the album’s most immediate offering. Catchy and punchy, it strikes a perfect balance between folk sensibility and pop accessibility. McErlaine’s guitar work is particularly noteworthy, his arpeggios dancing over Poole’s impactful vocals, which glide effortlessly between vulnerability and strength.
The standout might be ‘Pool Party’, its hazy summer vibe and laid-back groove are underscored by lush harmonies and a sense of melancholic joy. It’s a song that captures a moment in time, the bittersweet sensation of knowing something is over before it has truly ended.
Closer ‘Cut Me Down’ offers up a fitting ending, a lovelorn ballad that gives the record the gravitas it deserves. There’s an honesty here, a willingness to sit with the sadness and let it breathe—a rare and valuable trait in an age of quick fixes and easy endings.
Throughout Misty Morning, Red Sky July challenge their own boundaries while staying true to their roots. A timeless record, that deserves attention.
8/10
Ellie has spent over three decades dissecting riffs, rhythms, and rockstar egos, all in pursuit of the perfect review. Her music writing journey began at 12 with a glowing 10/10 diary entry for Echo and the Bunnymen, and she’s been chasing that high ever since. Armed with encyclopaedic knowledge and a soft spot for the sonically daring, Ellie will review anything that’s put in front of her – as long as it’s on vinyl.
