On 'Christmas Ain’t The Same', Glasgow musician and frontman of The Colts, Anton O’ Donnell teams up with Australian blues singer Charlotte Marshall and some of Nashville's finest players to deliver an EP of Christmas themed songs.
The three track EP began life under lockdown and tells the story of two lonely separated lovers longing to be back together again. As O’Donnell explains:
When I started writing ‘New Year Or Halloween’, I knew I was looking for a
duet. I started playing the guitar and out popped this toe-tapping, joyful, country number about two lovers enjoying each other’s company. It’s purposely very Johnny and June which I was determined to get some Nashville royalty musicians to play with me on it – which happened!
The music on the EP is timeless. From the classic Nashville-inspired verse swapping duet with Marshall on ‘New Year Or Halloween’, to the upbeat boogie of ‘Ain’t No Way (I’m Missing Christmas With You)’, the themes and sounds are familiar, yet fresh. Closing the EP, Marshall takes the lead on the soulful ‘Xmas Ain’t The Same’, her vocal adding emotion and depth as the song unfolds its tale of longing.
Arriving at the end of what has been a dark and often difficult year for many, ‘Christmas Ain’t The Same’ is a delightful EP that immediately lightens the mood.