It's not often that Christmas albums feature original songs as the majority. Most artists rehash Christmas classics, maybe trying their hand at one or two tracks of their own crafting. But the latest EP from The Maine finds the Tempe-based power pop quintet caroling three-quarters original holiday tunes.
The four-song ...And a Happy New Year EP opens with "Ho, Ho, Hopefully," a light acoustic number heralding Christmas magic and its ability to reignite a relationship. The track features background vocals from Eisley's Stacy and Sherri DuPree.
The record's second track, "Santa Stole My Girlfriend," puts it all in the title. The track plays like a classic "emo" Christmas carol, as lead singer John O'Callaghan recounts the events that lead him to wish his "old girl would have never kissed St. Nick."
"Mr. Winter" is an electrified full-band number and rounds out the band's orginal songs on an energetic note. The EP closes with a cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas," leaving it in all of it's 80's-synth glory.
Available on iTunes for a mere $2.99 -- or packaged with the group's full-length Can't Stop, Won't Stop for $9.99 -- ...And a Happy New Year would make an excellent stocking-stuffer for any power pop fan.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of The Maine or anyone looking for a break from traditional Christmas music.
The record's second track, "Santa Stole My Girlfriend," puts it all in the title. The track plays like a classic "emo" Christmas carol, as lead singer John O'Callaghan recounts the events that lead him to wish his "old girl would have never kissed St. Nick."
"Mr. Winter" is an electrified full-band number and rounds out the band's orginal songs on an energetic note. The EP closes with a cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas," leaving it in all of it's 80's-synth glory.Available on iTunes for a mere $2.99 -- or packaged with the group's full-length Can't Stop, Won't Stop for $9.99 -- ...And a Happy New Year would make an excellent stocking-stuffer for any power pop fan.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of The Maine or anyone looking for a break from traditional Christmas music.
