I was browsing in the magazine in-tray for new music for review, as I do! Anyway…This single by Lucy Kitchen came with a video to watch and I popped it on before a late supper (which my partner was cooking) and I was immediately interested as we had an interesting instrument ensemble around the artist. I like something with instrumental depth that holds the attention, and so I knew this was a single that I would have a listen to. I am aware of Lucy from an earlier song of hers called “Is this Real Life” which has this heavy bass feel and the drum sound that really drives a dreamy, off field track. It’s interesting, check it out!
First of all some press pack information: Lucy Kitchen is a Hampshire-based artist with two albums under her belt, meshing folk, Americana and country in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. Her music dives deep into themes of loss and resilience – especially clear on her 2023 EP “The Stabal Sessions.” She’s already caught the attention of BBC Introducing, Radio X, and BBC Radio 1 and received critical acclaim throughout her releases. While currently working on a new album (due early 2026) and her debut poetry collection, Lucy’s also lined up for some UK dates – more info below.
In her own words, the new track and its essence is “catching a vibe when you want to just spontaneously go out and see where the night takes you”. This folk-fueled hymn paints a picture of dusky skies, dusty roads and those slightly unplanned summer evenings which feel full of possibility. Lucy’s soothing vocals are beautifully supported by a rich soundscape featuring everything from guitar, banjo, double bass, drums and even a pedal steel, creating an essence of warmth and wonder.
Lucy’s inspiration for the single came during an ordinary moment that transformed into something extraordinary. “I wrote ‘Red Skies’ at the traffic lights one evening in Southampton in June”, she recalls. “If you’ve been to Southampton you’ll know how much time you spend sat at the lights. It was early evening, warm, the swifts were circling and it was one of those evenings that just beckoned for something to happen.”
This single was released July 18, so is available on all platforms now.
My review:
The single is a modern folk track, uplifting guitar with a gentle story lyric that tells of drinking wine and getting giddy. The devil may be in those red skies tonight, but the music and the emotive connection between the vocalist and her song carries you through.
Lucy has just finished a small tour and I can sense a close connection to the audience with this gentle and uplifting song.
It’s a track that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly earns it, rewarding repeated listens with its subtle details and heartfelt delivery. One to add to your summer playlist—and a promising taste of what Lucy Kitchen has in store for the future.
We hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise, editorials and even poetry! We work hard for you, and if you want to show some appreciation and support what we do, then do use the Support Us link below! Always appreciated.
You can stream music from Lucy here
By Stevie Ritson
Band:-
Tali Trow – guitar, backing vocals
Pat Kenneally – drums
Frazer Pearce – double bass
Marie Smith – backing vocals
Mike Davies – pedal steel