Monday, 15 December 2014

Scarlett and Disher - That Christmas Feeling (EP)


10 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Only ten days until Christmas which is plenty of time to luxuriate in the Scarlett and Disher EP, That Christmas Feeling. The duo of David Disher and Laura Scarlett have already collaborated on the critically acclaimed Dream and Halo EPs so it's a huge deal that, for a Christmas loving geek like me, they've thrown themselves into the season with a quintet of equally delightful holiday songs. They've chosen four evergreen standards and included one original composition that sparkles just as brightly as the other musical baubles in this glorious release. All the music incorporates their shoegazing indie roots with an exuberant musical vibe that surely was influenced by the sounds of Phil Spector, a vibrant wall of sound that infuses the listener with the spirit of Christmas that will last well into New Years.

It all starts with Angels We Have Heard On High (first Christmas song I learned to play on the piano - fact). Bold percussion plays alongside ebullient chimes and a sterling lead vocal from Ms Scarlett (with lovely textured harmonies from Mr Disher). It's evocative of the Darlene Love hits from the 60s with a contemporary spin and I love how the duo let their voices led that mellifluous melody forward with such magical charm. If the carolers that come to my door sounded anywhere near as good as these two do I'd give them much more than a pitying look for their enthusiasm being grossly disproportionate to their talent. They sleekly move into one of my favourite carols, O Holy Night. The vocals crescendo with the power of the lyrics while bells ring in the background so effusively that one can almost picture being in a super forward thinking church hall that is musically advanced and has great acoustics for a performance such as this. It's a glorious effect when the music pulls back at the start of the second verse and the vocal delivery of "Truly it's hardest/to love one another" shines through as the most timely message to us all. It demonstrates great understanding of how less can often offer more impact and each time I hear it it gives me goosebumps.

It all gets holly jolly Christmas when Deck The Halls chimes in with a cantering beat that surely must be representative of the reindeer pulling that fabled sleigh (true story - I honestly thought reindeer were fictitious until about 6 years ago when I saw one at a Christmas farm. Mind = blown. Also, the shame). There's a military precision to the singing and that second line harmony that David gives us is manna from the pop gods up above. Coventry Carol begins with a bewildering off kilter effect that is both mesmerising and beguiling. It's different to what's come before although there's a thematic consistency to the music - rather it's Laura's vocals that feel like she is conjuring up the memories of sacred moments that have long since passed in the ethers. The final song is the original composition and it's telling of it's quality that it fits in perfectly alongside the other offerings. Wake Up! It's Christmas encapsulates all the excitement and anticipation of the big day through vivid lyricism and ardent, animated singing - plus a middle 8 that adds a gothic fairytale aura to the track that has to be heard to be believed. If there's any justice in the world this song will be sung by people all over the world for many December 25ths to come because after just one listen it was stuck in my head and I was shimmying along all the live long day. So get your hot chocolate, sit by the fire (kindly provided by the duo) and just enjoy this marvelous gift :)

Ghosts of Christmas past:
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