The Deep Red Sky are Scottish five-piece ensemble which blends guitars and three-part harmonies to create a brand of alternative rock akin to Pacific Northwest bands. There are many strings to The Deep Red Sky’s bow: not least are their impressive harmonies. Though very prevalent in popular music today, these still feel fresh and are extremely pretty. In particular their song ‘I’m Not Dead’, effectively about Zombies, has a beautiful sound and emotive feel despite not having the most serious subject matter. This also showcased the lyrical skill of the band along with other songs such as ‘Steal From You’ and ‘Plans’, which each painted vivid and touching pictures. Lead singer Jamie Craighead has a beautiful natural break in his voice that comes across very well in the stripped down environment of an acoustic set.
It was not all slow melancholic songs, however, as the band also showed the ability to carry an up-tempo beat just as well. Songs such as ‘Look on Your Face’ and ‘Getting Easier’ had more defined drum beats and louder guitars but still very much felt like they were the band’s own. These songs also provided the variety needed in their long set. For me what really stole the show was the band’s cover of MGMT’s ‘Kids’. MGMT’s sound is very electronic and upbeat, but The Deep Red Sky managed to retain the feel of the original whilst also giving a slower, more emotive performance which fitted the acoustic set. It was imaginative in its delivery without being so far away from the original as to be unrecognisable. While their true sound may be more rock-oriented than the description may have suggested, this acoustic feel was really enjoyable and made for a special performance.
