Phil Dipple & The AAR Band - Somebody's Christmas
Rock, Country, Pop
Stratford upon Avon, United Kingdom
Overall Impression: In a heart-warming blend of Classic Rock instrumentals and Folk-Rock inflections, Phil Dipple & The AAR Band skillfully tug at listeners' heart strings with their emotionally gripping original holiday song, "Somebody's Christmas" - appealing to our universal sense of isolation and appeasing our desire for loving reconciliation through heartfelt lyricism and poignant musical artistry.
Strongest Point(s): Surprisingly gripping for a twelve-minute saga, "Somebody's Christmas" manages to capture listener attentions instantly and hold them rapt throughout - showing an attention to detail and a love of the craft that prove to be purely magnetic! Expert instrumental performances and a stellar mix keep things moving from end to end, always pairing dynamic expressions with nearly nostalgic grooves to keep the experience grounded and open. Warm strings lend depth and resonance to the song's texture, feeling authentic and engaging without overpowering the more traditional Rock elements of the experience. The female vocalist on this record is phenomenal, holding center stage not only through the song's heartfelt lyrical narrative but through the artist's own presence and performative power - especially as the song enters its slower tempo in the second half. Likewise, this more Ballad-like tempo showcases the subtle and discerning efforts of the bass player specifically, holding down the pocket and only venturing out for brief and emotionally impactful fills. Rich vocal harmonies further deepen the texture of the track as a massively cathartic sax solo drives into the final push - passing the spotlight to a classically crunchy lead guitar as they play with patience and presence as well, quoting Silent Night at 10:24 to put a pleasant Christmas bow on the tune before it fades out. All of this artistry is in direct service of lyrics designed to resonate with people from any background and circumstance, really showcasing the intentionality of Phil Dipple & The AAR Band's artistic efforts!
Target Audience Appeal: Just in time for the season, "Somebody's Christmas" is designed to appeal to the human experience at its most basic levels - rallying around the cultural warmth and hope of the holidays to establish a message of forgiveness and grace in spite of the choices that isolate us. Made for each and every one of us and bearing the creative energies of a well-seasoned group of artists, Phil Dipple & The AAR Band's "Somebody's Christmas" will likely resonate most readily with fans of Folk-Rock and Rock Ballad anthems. - Jon W.
Artist target suggestions: Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, Nick Drake, Crosby Stills & Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Donovan, Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Steely Dan, Blind Faith, Harry Chapin, Three Dog Night, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Poco, The Mountain Goats, Little River Band, Jefferson Starship, The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper
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About the Reviewer:
Jon Wright is a trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists across a wide range of genres.