It’s T minus four days until December 25th, so safe to say that festive spirits are running high, and Christmas is in full swing. But if you’re already tiring of Michael Bublé and Mariah, never fear – the lovely indie scene has put out some absolute Christmas classics, so we’ve rounded up a handful for you.
Is This Christmas? – The Wombats
I don’t know… is it? Especially apt for a year where nothing feels quite real, we can always count on indie royalty The Wombats to serve up the tunes. ITC? is everything we love about them – sarcastic lyrics, on-your-feet hooks, and plenty of cheer.
I Wish It Was Christmas Today – Julian Casablancas
In classic Strokes style, Julian Casablancas‘ Christmas tune is a fuzz-laden bop that’s somehow energetic and effortless all at once – no such thing as too cool for Christmas!
Feliz Navidad – shame
If there was a Christmas tune to truly evoke the feeling of a Christmas Eve pub trip, it’s this one. shame are as tongue-in-cheek rowdy as they come, letting loose on this rousing reimagining of the classic.
Alone on Christmas Day – Phoenix
Phoenix‘s Alone on Christmas Day stings a little more this year – but it’s even more of a lovely listen for it. Blue piano chords, a melody line that feels like a warm hug, a bit of that classic 2000s indie buzz – it’s cheering us up for sure.
Merry Christmas Everyone – Vistas
Who knew that all Shakin Stevens needed to brighten up Merry Christmas Everyone was a scouse accent and a few power chords? Vistas did – their rendition of the iconic track is aglow with energy. Good luck not dancing along.
Vegetarian Christmas – FEET
In their inimitable way, FEET‘s take on a festive tune is as dry as they come. It does exactly what it says on the tin – this is indeed an ode to Linda Mccartney, veggies, nut roasts, and that little spark of superiority you may feel watching everyone else chow down on a turkey while your environmental conscience is burgeoning. Oh, and it’s a banger too.
Last Christmas – Pale Waves
Last Christmas is a favourite for a moody recreation, and who better to strip it of its cheese and slow it down than melancholic extraordinaires Pale Waves? Heather Baron Gracie’s silver vocals against a snowdrift of synth is just gorgeous.
Christmas Trees In Rain – APRE
Here to be indie’s answer to Coldplay’s Christmas Lights, it’s our wonky-pop favourites APRE. Christmas Trees In Rain is packed with nostalgia, blue soundscapes and soaring melodies; it’s understatedly anthemic, and wonderful.
Santa Baby – Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice‘s cover of Santa Baby is an instant classic. The woozy, gentle instrumental and Ellie Rowsell’s sultry, sweet delivery makes the tune as dreamy as it is fun, the perfect song to sway to at the end of a Christmas party.
two queens in a king size bed – girl in red
girl in red‘s latest offering is a charming slice of festive calm. Twinkling piano and gentle jingle bells feel as soft and luxurious as a bed covered in pillows, and girl in red’s beautiful, intimate vocals are the feather-light cherry on the cake.
Winter Song – Sam Fender
November’s release from Sam Fender is fitting for cold, winter evenings: his voice is ethereally soulful, a lighting-bolt of life piercing through the Alan Hull cover. Stripped back to piano and vocals only, Winter Song shows off what Fender does best – storytelling and emotion.
Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose) – Blossoms
Ever since their Wonderful Christmastime cover, Blossoms have been solidly on our Christmas playlists, but this year with a whole new selection of festive tunes to choose from, we’re spoiled. Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose) is laidback, shimmering, and poetic, in flawless Blossoms style.
Distant Christmas – Zuzu
Zuzu‘s utterly enchanting Distant Christmas is equal parts relaxed, cheerful, and comforting. The instrumentals simply sparkle, and Zuzu’s endearingly simple vocals are a sheer delight.
Carol Of The Bells – The Big Moon
An actual Christmas carol is a rare choice for a festive cover, but The Big Moon just nail it with their haunting, magical rendition of Carol of the Bells. It’s eerie, gleaming, festive perfection.
Driving Under Stars – Marika Hackman
Marika Hackman‘s got a whole EP of Christmas songs, including some stunning carols, but Driving Under Stars is the crown jewel: retro, groovy, and irresistible.
