Bristol-based Chandra has succeeded in carving a refreshingly clear space with their take on pop-rock. Fronted by Chandra Nair, whose vocals have been correctly noted as "nothing short of extraordinary" by indie tastemakers, the trio has built their reputation on tackling mental health and self-acceptance with disarming directness.
Off the back of their "Lifted" EP and singles such as "Pretty" and "Smile (No Fox Gibbon)," this three-piece outfit – rounded out by Keith Jones on drums and Chris Wong on bass – proves again their power in music.
It's called "Christmas Hugs," a seasonally-charged indie pop confection that manages, against the odds, to dodge the usual festive music pitfalls. The song begins with a crystalline riff sparkling like frost on a windowpane, while the drums roll in with a clever backbeat by Keith Jones, and then comes Chandra Nair's distinctive tenor cutting through with the time of the holiday.
The verse works its way through a succession of surprising minor chords, building tension before finally letting go in a chorus that's pure euphoria. Special mention has to be given to Chris Wong's bass work here, which walks a clever line that gives the track its entrancing groove.
The co-production by the band with Aaron Shawt is done with great craftsmanship, where lesser artists might have buried the track in sleigh bells and saccharine strings; instead, Chandra keeps things clean. Enough festive color is breathed into the track with the occasional glockenspiel accent and subtle vocal harmonies, while never allowing the core message of the song to be overpowered by anything. The fact that both standard and sped-up versions are released shows a savvy understanding of current music consumption trends.
"Christmas Hugs" comes at an interesting point in Chandra's trajectory. With their second EP on the horizon for Summer 2025, this seasonal offering feels like a confident band stretching out their emotional and musical range. This track's production quality and architectural sophistication strongly suggest that these guys are ready for bigger stages.
For those keeping score, here is how you do a Christmas single in 2024: with enough musical complexity to fetch thousands of listens and pure pop artistry that works its way into your holiday playlist for years to come.
Of the many Christmas releases I've listened to this holiday season, there's something special about the way "Christmas Hugs" found its way into my daily rotation.
What initially came off as a standard, cheerful seasonal song proves, with every subsequent listen, to be a master class in songwriting. And where other seasonal offerings might go stale fast, this one feels built to last. "Christmas Hugs" is now available on all major streaming platforms, and I strongly encourage you to add it to your holiday playlist now.