Drawing us in with an epic and dimensional soundscape, like the start of a massive blockbuster movie, Reindeer Riot open It’s Christmastime (Hear the Bells) with vibrancy and an assertive energy, before sharing timeless prose rooted in returning home for Christmas with the family.
We appreciate the poetic prowess and the cinematic allure that the track holds – perfect for a range of sync deals – notably an iconic, heartfelt festive movie! We deeply connect with the fusion of sparkling pop-rock vibes with rich orchestral nuances.
It’s Christmastime (Hear the Bells) is both uplifting and captivating; the kind of festive exuberance we might expect if The Killers’ Christmas singles met Michael Bublé’s seasonal cheer, all wrapped in the playful aesthetic of an animated band à la Gorillaz (minus the darkness).
We learn that the progressive production mixes live vocals with AI-assisted tools and online session musicians, resulting in a polished sound that is designed to ignite a holiday glow. The finale is anthemic and has us feeling extremely excited about the incoming festive season.
Behind the project is creator, songwriter and producer Michael Clorley-Jones. Michael is known for his work with Rogue Angels and earlier band Leon (featured on BBC radio in the ’90s). After releasing a fully self-performed trial track in 2024, he officially launches Reindeer Riot (which actually manifests as an animated band) with a more refined vision.
The band features Venn on drums (the lovable chaos engine), Blitz on bass (cool and steady through any snowstorm), and Rudi on vocals and guitar (sweet, romantic, and ready for every gig to turn into a Christmas movie). They star in bright, humorous animated online videos that make Reindeer Riot immediately kid-friendly, family-friendly, and endlessly shareable.
Naturally, we are enthralled, and have added It’s Christmastime (Hear the Bells) to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we anticipate future releases from the visionary Reindeer Riot!