The American Scene’s lo-fi recording of “X-Mas In The Suburbs” isn’t going to blow anybody away in terms of production, but it’s a solemn, original holiday song that will hit home for anyone who’s a little sad on Christmas. 

Matt Vincent’s vocals set the sad mood as he sings, “There’s ice on all the cars // A girl that I don’t love hanging on my arm // Who says that every winter just feels the same as last year” over a guitar riff that’s akin to Brand New’s “Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t.” And while the holiday song isn’t as dark as Jesse Lacey’s croons, Vincent singing, “I’ve got a bottle in my bedroom and nothing else to do” will get you just in the spirit to visit relatives on Christmas day.

★★★★☆