EP Review: Celldweller – An Offworld Christmas (FiXT)

Celldweller reimagines timeless Christmas classics through the lens of Offworld, combining influences of alternative rock and shoegaze with orchestral strings and synth. An Offworld Christmas EP features renditions of ‘What Child Is This?’ and ‘Silent Night’ and is out now via FiXT.

Two very unique versions of two of the most known festive pieces ever. Two festive pieces that have also been covered to such an extent, it’s hard to get that excited about another set. Except that it’s Celldweller doing the covering and that guarantees something very special indeed.

Which is what we get. Two varied versions of Silent Night and What Child Is This? The former blends haunting ambience, expressive alternative rock, and exciting flare ups of heavy intensity. It’s very cool, and I think Celldweller do a good job of making something notably different, while retaining the forlorn beauty of the original melody.

Whereas their version of What Child Is This? takes a fascinating modern approach. Creating something obviously different, something creative, and something polarising (the vocal effects are quite experimental). I think it’s so cool though, especially when grander orchestral arrangements and vibrant synth arrive. It’s an example of creativity out of control, but in the hands of talented individuals, we get something that stands out.

It’s a shame it’s only two tracks long as I’d love to hear Celldweller tackle some other festive hits.

Celldweller – An Offworld Christmas Track Listing:

1. Silent Night
2. What Child Is This?

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