EP Review: An April Christmas

I was dubious at the thought of reviewing a Christmas album. It’s not often that modern holiday tracks dodge the danger of cheesy cheer and forced rhyme. I’m pleased to say that Imperial April made me rethink my grinch-like tendencies with their holiday EP An April Christmas.

I Love This Time Of The Year took me back to 90’s girl band rock. If you imagine what the Love Actually soundtrack would sound like if it was curated by No Doubt, then you’ll find yourself in the sonic realm of the first track. The ringing distorted guitars coupled with sleigh bell tambourines somehow captured the sound of Christmas in the summer. The modulation in the chorus boasted genuine musicality. I Love This Time Of Year won’t stay in one spot, weaving through different rhythms and chord progressions with finesse.

Present Anxiety enters the EP with an alien synth and indie rock drumkit. It’s a Christmas carol for the modern consumer, questioning if overbuying and wading through mall crowds is the right thing to do. Imperial April ask how a gift could take the place of genuine gratitude and words of affirmation for loved ones. The icing on the cake is a sick distorted guitar breakdown before a more mellow version of the chorus.

The EP wraps up with Wouldn’t Trade This Christmas, a conversation between the singer and various once a year companions. The track features another epic modulation, keeping the sound fresh. The lyrics on An April Christmas are real — they’re just the inner monologue of a 20-something navigating how they feel about Christmas. Frontwoman Victoria delivers a charmingly nonchalant vocal performance reminiscent of The Beths, making this the ultimate millennial Christmas soundtrack.