Spooky, mysterious and dark. It's not exactly Cliff Richard's Christmas Prayer, but that should come as no small relief to those of us unable to stomach the ageing pop pensioner. I am of course referring to Hello Translinks?, the Belfast-based electro/house outfit, and their seasonal greeting to the world. The free download release 'Christmas Single' is available now from their website, and at that price you'd be a fool not to give it a listen.
Combining equally the sounds of Numan and old school Nintendo, Hello Translinks? have put together a highly original spin on a tired concept. Admit it – when was the last time you actually heard a Christmas single you liked? These days they're all either woeful novelty records, or part of the never ending onslaught of Simon Cowell and his one-man mission to kill off creativity in popular music. Even in the good old days Christmas singles were terrible (The Pogues being an honourable exception). Paul McCartney, I'm pointing my finger of disapproval squarely at you.
'Christmas Single' is a clever tune, and lyrically it deals with the darker side of Christmas. The stress leading up to the inevitable event, the strain on our bank accounts, the disruption of our daily lives – what happened to the good old days when Santa used to just come down the chimney every year and a great time was guaranteed? Hello Translinks? have confronted the seasonal angst that many of us are afflicted by on a yearly basis, and have converted it into three and a half minutes of ice-cool electro pop bliss. “Do you remember Christmas?” they sing over waves of mesmerising synth lines, “It was more than a time of year.” I know I do.
Of course, all of this would fall flat if it weren't for the group's ear for a good melody and an infectious chorus. They also get extra thumbs up for a professional recording job (a factor that especially makes all the difference with electronica) and some interesting cover art. An antidote to the turgid, money-grabbing Christmas Number 1 formula is here. And it's just one click away. Maybe Santa Claus really does exist after all.
'Christmas Single' by Hello Translinks? is available for download here.Of course, all of this would fall flat if it weren't for the group's ear for a good melody and an infectious chorus. They also get extra thumbs up for a professional recording job (a factor that especially makes all the difference with electronica) and some interesting cover art. An antidote to the turgid, money-grabbing Christmas Number 1 formula is here. And it's just one click away. Maybe Santa Claus really does exist after all.
http://www.myspace.com/hellotranslinks
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