After last year's surf rock-infused album, Cannonballers, from Colony House, I was pleasantly surprised to see such a quick follow-up of music a short year later. That enthusiasm was tempered when I discovered it was to be Christmas music, but after giving it a shot, the Nashville indie rockers had won me over again. With the Every Christmas EP, they have served up a delightful seasonal appetizer of three brief, but excellent original Christmas tunes.

"Merry Christmas" kicks things off with a hazy 60s-era slow jam. This is the type of song you would listen to around the fireplace as the Colony House fellas gently wish listeners a Merry Christmas Beach Boys style. "Y.O.U." picks up the pace, while also sounding inspired by the early Beach Boys harmonies and shuffle rock as they address their longing for the heart of a significant other. The chorus bops along asking sweetly, "Would you give me your heart For Christmas/And Make all of my dreams come true/If you give me your heart For Christmas/Then I'd happily give you mine too."

Lastly, the title track, "Every Christmas," takes the slow burn as they give their good tidings and draw attention to Jesus, the reason for the season. The song sways and swells, and I could picture them singing arm in arm in a low-lit living room beside the Christmas tree. The lyrics say it best, so I'll leave them here, "Merry Christmas/Happy holidays/Good tiding of great joy/To you and yours this year/For unto us is born/The savior of the world/Peace on earth Emanuel."

All in all, Every Christmas is a treat that's both fun and short enough to give a few listens. I quickly added "Y.O.U." to my seasonal playlist and it may just be my favorite original Christmas song released in years. It is always nice to hear from Colony House, and once again, they have delivered a quality project.

- Review date: 12/12/24, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com