The Christmas Anthology by JD Days is a gift that comes as a tender letter that you have not anticipated and which opens its door to send you rushing in the world of warmness, memories and tender thoughtfulness. The album is based on pop-rock and folk, and lingers in the air in winter light through a frosted window. To those who are attracted to music that evokes emotion as opposed to sound, this ten-track album by the UK-based band headed by singer-songwriter James is healing. Having 6 original pieces and 4 intelligently re-imagined classics, it tells a story that seems to be both wide screen and yet personal.
Even in the very beginning, there is a sense of the home-like feel of the whole song, the slow rhythm of the song being reminiscent of comfort and ease in the presence of someone you are used to. The lyrics are delicate and light, with no aggressive synths or bass but rather enhancing the sound without burdening it. Evergreen Christmas is a soft country-pop, an invitation, a vow whispered in secret, but meant to be long-term; the gentle beat and the warm nature of the sound is beckoning you to come. Two Lovers slides in on synths and laid back beats, as if it is a fact that no one speaks of, but shared between glances and augmented with the production elements of acoustics and a faint sense of nostalgia.
The unique feature of the given anthology is the ambition to tell storeys. A short with 3D visuals accompanies every song and brings the themes of love, unity and forgiveness into life and makes the album a complete experience. Songs like the optimistic Angel Woman and the exuberant Here Comes Santa provide the contrast and the glowing closer, All You Need Is Love, is an exhale of pure connexion. All is weaved together with softly told interludes, like ribbon about a dear gift.
Fundamentally JD Days has music that has a point: to sing songs that are about our humanity. This Christmas album is like a little fire that burns consistently against the cold, it is reassuring, it brings closer and unites people and the listener comes back again, with a fuller heart, that is quieter.
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