There aren’t many local bands that can claim as successful a 2015 as Sydney Eloise & the Palms. The band’s debut LP, Faces, was released to considerable acclaim, receiving significant attention from national outlets like NPR, The Village Voice, PopMatters and more. On the heels of that recognition, the band has spent much of the latter half of the year touring in support of their record, winning over new fans and significantly increasing their reach outside the city. In the process of moving from the studio to the stage, the group expanded from their original incarnation of Eloise and and co-producers Damon Moon and Chandler Galloway to include Luke Smith, Will Pass, and Kurt Wagner, who have since become vital contributors to the band’s continued growth.

Now, with the holidays fast approaching and their tour schedule winding down, the entire six-piece band has entered the studio for the first time to cap of the year with the shimmering Christmas earworm “Under My Tree.” Inspired by the classic holiday hits of The Beach Boys, Bing Crosby and others, the track’s warm, breezy sounds belie the dark hints of discontent lurking in the lyrics. “It’s the holidays, I know I should be grateful / so I guess I’ll force a smile tonight” sings Eloise, her ethereal voice helping to mask the familial dysfunction that she is describing. It’s certainly not the heartwarming tales of Saint Nick, snowmen, and bows that we’ve grown accustomed to, but I’m guessing there’s plenty of us who can relate to a little family drama over pristine postcards to warm wishes and good cheer. Give it a listen below.

The accompanying video, which we’re also excited to premiere for you today, shows the band in the process of recording the song at the Cottage. For all intents and purposes, it’s a live clip that focuses on the group’s musical chemistry and the interactions between the members. In many ways their easygoing camaraderie acts as the perfect antithesis to the drunken discord documented in the song, while also going a long way to prove that Sydney Eloise & the Palms is much more than a one-woman show.

More Info
Web: sydneyeloiseandthepalms.com
Bandcamp: sydneyeloiseandthepalms.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @SydneyEloiseMusic
Instagram: @sydandthepalms
Twitter: @SydneyEloise