Red Sky July’s new album Misty Morning appeared at the end of February. The signature Red Sky July tight harmonies and feelings of natural landscapes are something explored in the second of three ‘why I love’s heading our way from Red Sky July. Ally McErlaine from the band tells us why he loves American indie folk outfit, Fleet Foxes.
UNIQUE, RICH, MUSICAL
Fleet Foxes, to me is a band with a unique and rich, musical sound that connects with people who like vocal harmonies and lyricism, with a strong connection to the natural world. For me, their appeal is in their ability to transport listeners into a timeless, ethereal space. Their music feels like a journey through nostalgia, and wonder—cinematic landscapes both in your own mind and also in wider nature.
A cool thing about Fleet Foxes is their harmonies. Robin Pecknold and the band create layered, multi-part harmonies that are almost choir-like and inspired Red Sky July to be very harmony based. These harmonies evoke a sense of closeness and grandeur at the same time, as if you’re hearing something both deeply personal and universally significant. Tracks like White Winter Hymnal and Mykonos are examples, with each voice weaving into the others to create a sound that is hauntingly beautiful.
NATURAL THEMES
I love their use of old-time natural themes – this is present in every aspect of their music. From the imagery in their lyrics, to the organic textures of their instrumentation, they evoke scenes of forests, mountains, and seas. It is very hard to categorize, their unique sound, it could be folk or alternative, country, jazz . It’s really individual. Listening to Fleet Foxes feels like stepping into a serene, untouched wilderness.
Their 2008 self-titled debut album and 2011’s Helplessness Blues are particularly rooted in this sense of natural beauty. Robin Pecknold writes poetic, evocative lyrics that explore themes of identity, purpose, and the passage of time. Songs like Helplessness Blues ask questions about individuality and our place in the larger scheme of life, themes that feel universal yet deeply personal.
This line from Helplessness Blues is one of my favourites:
“I was raised up believing I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see”
LUSH ACOUSTICS
The instrumentation in Fleet Foxes’ music is also really inspiring to me. Especially the lush acoustics of their earlier albums. With the use of traditional folk instruments—acoustic guitars, mandolins, organs and percussion, they create music that sounds timeless yet contemporary. I also really love the reverb used on the voices, very warm and really draws you in.
Their music feels like a sanctuary. It’s reflective and intricate without being inaccessible. When I’m listening to them in my headphones, their music gives me a great sense of space and time, both ancient and futuristic which is why I chose to write my piece about Fleet Foxes.
Check out some gorgeous harmonies a la Red Sky July on Stones And Brambles:
The band is also on the Misty Morning Tour in the UK now:
Our thanks to Ally for the contribution to our Why I Love archive. Look out for the final Red Sky July why I love from Haley Glennie-Smith in the next few days.
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You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.
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