TRACKS WORDS: JAMIE TAYLOR
T-B, L-R: Sophia, Feed Your Wolves, Smithereen “Jesus Christ,” I hear you say, “it’s Christmas again and I haven’t a clue what to get everyone.” Fear not, for your friends at NARC. have you covered with this season’s tracks gift guide. For the lady who has everything, why not try Skin by Sophia. The simplicity of this ethereal guitar and beats number is bound to have even the fussiest of giftee blushing with delight. The warm, honest vocals combined with the neat production make this one of our top picks for this month. Tired of asking people what they want for Christmas only to hear them tell you ‘surprise me’? Then give them something unexpected with Unfolded by Nadedja. This track reminded of London Grammar and I loved the way it spun into a foot to the floor, get off your seat and dance party number. For the gentleman in your life, why not try Tear Us Apart by Smithereen? I don’t know if it was the lead singer’s beard, but this song had a shade of the Fleetwood Macs about it. Stuffed full of rock heritage vibes, I think you’ll like this one. Students can be so tricky to buy for. Leave out the guesswork this year and get them Nothing Else by The Strands. This self-produced indie number has charm in spades. The sparkle of the guitars alone just made me feel better about life. Looking to get something for that enigmatic friend who you can’t quite work out? Ceiling Demons have you covered with Soul Within A Storm. This lo-fi, alt. rap improvisation seems heartfelt enough but just didn’t do it for me. Christmas is going to be a difficult time for many people this year. Set an extra place at the table with Faithful Johannes’, It’s Alright To Be
Alone (This Christmas). I think this is honestly one of the best Christmas songs I’ve ever heard. It’s filled with so much kindness and generosity that I could gladly hear this every December for the rest of my days. Give the gift of giving this year with Conor Michael’s Home Is Where The Christmas Tree Lies. This powerful song, replete with jingle bells, evokes the hardship of Christmas on the streets. With all proceeds going to North East Homeless, you really should put your hand in your pocket for this one. While you’re at it, why not also dig deep for Andrew Bradley who is donating all the proceeds from his Monsters EP to mental health charity Mind. Bradley’s vocals just seem so reassuring and full of hope that I can’t help but recommend you give this EP a listen. Get out and support your high street by picking up Ambient Violence by Slow Decades. The Wurlitzer keys and growling guitars filled me with an odd sense of melancholy for empty stores lost to online shopping and creeping gentrification. If all you want for Christmas is the Smiths, then why not treat yourself to Danica Dares’ Giving It Away. From the artwork on the sleeve to the tone of guitars, it’s clear that Jonny Marr and co. have been a big influence on Dares’ sound. Finally, there’s always one person you forget to buy for. Don’t panic, everybody loves Hurricane by Feed Your Wolves. Guaranteed to thrill, this epic soft rock EP will get you through even the most hectic of last minute shopping trips.
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