Tuesday, 15 November 2022

Girl Named Tom - One More Christmas


40 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream One More Christmas here (external link)

There is a lot of reality television out there, all competing with quality Netflix dramas like Warrior Nun and, uh, Troll Hunters (Tales from Arcadia) for your attention. It is why, if you are a Brit boy like me, that you might not be aware of splendid sibling trio Girl Named Tom (who won season 21 of The Voice in the USA). The happy side effect of rather loving Christmas music as I do is that I get lots of recommendations of acts new to me who I can then spend all of new year investigating their non-festive back catalogue. Until then, I am going to enjoy One More Christmas with the group via their splendid new EP. Featuring 4 original songs and 4 sparkling cover versions, there folksy arrangements and nuanced vox bring new insight to the well known songs (whilst ensuring the new ones feel just as indelible). It is a vivid treat for the ears but one that conjures up wintry images through evocative production...

It starts with a haunting version of What Child Is This, where solemn percussion and elegiac violin crafts a somber reverence. The opening notes, performed beautifully by Bekah, give the song an ethereal feel but it is when the sibling vocals layer on top of each other that the words are given their real power and majesty. Winter Wonderland adds a peppy fun factor, like it has been lifted from some charming yet forgotten 50s MGM musical-movie. Finger click grooves and a call & response vocal trade off is a delight, as intricate as any individual snow flake. Individual vocals get the chance to shine & this will take the chill off any icy day. A medley of Jingle Bell Rock/Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree makes the two songs feel like they always belonged together; there is a giddiness to Bekah's voice that is entirely infectious. It makes the experience a convivial sing-along that will soundtrack many tree decorating memories this year.

The first original, It's Almost Christmas, encapsulates all the anticipation that counting down to Christmas should bring. The drummer boy style beat combined with an irrepressibly addictive hook is both joyful and triumphant; the effusive nature of the singing shows that there is no hint of cynicism here - Girl Named Tom believes in their favourite time of year! One More Christmas slows the pace for a rather lovely acoustic ballad. There is reflection and rumination in the poetic, heartfelt lyrics while the gentle guitar accompaniment lets every word be savoured. There is light and hope baked into the insightful arrangement - a future classic for you to enjoy in the quieter moments of the season. Isn't That What Christmas Is For? brings to life the true meaning of Christmas with lush 70s MOR style vocals (a huge compliment) and a shimmering instrumental that wraps around you like a hug. Magic and sparkle.

Judy Garland standard, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, begins with an a cappella moment before bold, dramatic strings swoop in to accompany the resonant, emotive vocal and fill in the parts of the story that the words don't always tell. It takes some liberties with the arrangement and that makes it evocative and exciting. The EP ends with Homesick Melody, a Driving Home For Christmas for the 20s generation. The pulsing drums and soaring vocal are as tangible as marshmallows in hot chocolate, the pull of those you love feeling so much more potent at the most wonderful time of the year. If you want a bonus track, check out last year's Christmas single No Snow For Christmas. There is a melancholy to the music but the lavish instrumental and impassioned vocals are exactly the type of production that would make this song huge on the uniquely British Christmas Number one chart. A lovely gem you should absolutely check out.

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