EP Review: The Fear – Christmas Time (Self Released)

Coming off the back of the success of their debut EP ‘Falling Forward’, Manchester alt-rock/nu metallers The Fear have got in the festive spirit and whipped up a Christmas release for everyone. The Christmas Time EP features an original holiday single, as well as covers of some beloved Christmas favourites.

I can’t think of many bands better suited to celebrate the festive season with then The Fear. Even if their alternative rock sound doesn’t always come with much cheer.

Do you know what does have cheer though?! Their original festive tune, Christmas Time (the best is yet to come). Leaning into pop punk bounce along territories, delivering an anthemic chorus, and sounding so damn jolly. It’s a smile-inducing listen.

Less smile inducing, mainly because of The Fear’s decision to take things in a cold, dark, and moody direction, is their cover of the Wham hit, Last Christmas. At least The Fear’s tone fits the lyrical content a bit better, and it does build up (dramatically) to a rockier, heavier, and more drum-driven place. It’s a little drawn out, but the theatrics near the end are appreciated, and it’s certainly a different kind of cover.

Something they also try to do with Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Although here, the rigidity of the track limits things. That being said, I really like this version as The Fear approach the melody from a fresh perspective.

The smile is back and it’s getting wider with a finale that is so much fun, it’s silly. It’s The Fear’s cover of Feliz Navidad and here, the alternative rock band reimagine it as an electronica club banger with retro twists. It’s very clever, creative, and so much fun.

Which sums up the EP. It’s fun, feels suitably Christmassy, and The Fear don’t take themselves too seriously doing it.

The Fear – Christmas Time Track Listing:

1. Christmas Time (the best is yet to come)
2. Last Christmas
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Feliz Navidad

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