“Alone Again at Christmastime”
UK-based artist Darren Burdis has been putting out music for over a year, but decided it was time to try his hand at a Christmas track. In a season full of covers and traditional tunes, Burdis channeled his personal experiences into something entirely his own. The result is “Alone Again at Christmastime.”
“Alone Again at Christmastime” ticks all the boxes for a classic rock Christmas tune. As Burdis’s lyrics reminisce about his lost love, a melancholy guitar melody and glistening mallet accents are held together with a deceptively upbeat drum line. Harmonies in the bridge add color, lightening the mood to almost hopeful. There is something nostalgically 80’s & 90’s about brooding lyrics nestled in with fun instrumentals, fitting alongside the Wham!s and Waitresses of alternative Christmas tracks.
Lyrically, Burdis is hurting. He can’t stand being at home, as the Ghost of Christmas past haunts his memories. Instead, he’s alone this year, finding solace in local bars. He couldn’t even be bothered to put up a tree, because the one thing he wants won’t be waiting for him Christmas morning. Putting his faith in the Christmas spirit, some part of him still holds out hope that his love will come back to him this holiday. The track fades out with more mallet accents, ringing out like Christmas bells.
If you’re tired of hearing the same Christmas songs over and over, give Darren Burdis a spin. “Alone Again at Christmastime” features all of the Christmasy elements we know and love, but with his own twist.
“Alone Again at Christmastime” cover art via Darren Burdis
