The Red Clay Strays released their third album, Grateful, on June 5, 2026. Leaning heavily into gospel and soul, the opening track is a fiery first impression. With biblical imagery, this opening track is an attempt to save a friend. The friend is “singing with the liars” and dancing with the devil figuratively. Led by singer Brandon Coleman, the piano-driven track is as fiery as a Sunday sermon.
“So-called friends led you astray / You know the devil keeps his company
With all his bright and shiny things / It ain’t a church just ’cause it feels good / It ain’t an angel ’cause it’s got wings”
“Demons In Your Choir” is about attempting to save a friend from people who have compromised their happiness. They’re a bad influence on the friend, who is blinded to it at this point. It’s a plea to the friend to see things for what they are, though the friend might already be lost. The use of the word choir flips for this song, as it’s normally associated with church and holiness. The band uses Christian themes, as the members are Christians themselves. They have emphasized that they are not a Christian band, though.
“You’ve been singin’ with the liars /And they’re playin’ your worst desires
If I could pull you from the fire / Then maybe I could save you / From those demons in your choir.”
A Change In Sound For The Red Clay Strays
In a statement through Hits Daily Double, lead singer Brandon Coleman said, “It’s a different sound. And this is a different-sounding album, genre-wise. ‘Demons In Your Choir’ is a good way to start it.”
Distancing from their brand of country rock that the band is known for, The Red Clay Strays brought elements of soul, country, and gospel together. Ultimately, the shift in sound has paid off so far, as Grateful peaked at No. 3 on the US Americana/Folk Albums chart. Additionally, “Demons In Your Choir” has peaked at No. 3 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and No. 26 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
The band embarks on the summer leg of their Grateful tour, starting July 30.
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