Amsterdam based art-rock band Labasheeda like to do things differently, so when they release a Christmas EP, there is no chance of seasonal sounds and happy-go-lucky well-wishing lyrics. Old Traditions is filled with four originals that explore the darker side of the holidays, using mainly acoustic instruments and Arne Wolfswinkel's lonesome electric guitar. The skewed vocals and melodies get the listener on the wrong foot, changing up the tempo every now and then to keep things interesting.
The title track is a slow burner, with singer Saskia van der Giessen reaching for the high notes (spoiler: she succeeds). Fireworks is the most accessible, with a gently strutting guitar leading the way. Cold Days comes close to pastoral prog and there is hint of the Throwing Musues in the final track, In Reverse. Play it back to back with Johnny Dowd's Xmas 2021 EP and all thoughts of Mariah Carey and Wham will go running for the hills.
Labasheeda:
Saskia van der Giessen: vocals, acoustic guitar, violin, viola
Arne Wolfswinkel: electric guitar
Renato Cannavacciuolo: double bass
Jan Tromp: drums
Old Traditions is a self-released EP. Buy it (red vinyl - 350 numbered copies with hand silk-screened sleeves, digital) from their website. Limited CD in silkscreen sleeve also via Presto Chango Records.
Tracks:- Old Traditions
- Fireworks
- Cold Days
- In Reverse
Webcast:
The band will do a livestream from De Groote Weiver in Wormerveer on December 11 @ 21.00 CET.
- 01/15 Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Mascini Theater
- 01/21 Utrecht, Netherlands @ ACU
- 02/19 Gouda, Netherlands @ De Gonz
HCTF review of Status Seeking.
