I have something special to share today: a magnetic and surprising reimagining of a traditional song. The Pulltops, a dynamic duo with an astonishing knack for crossing genres, take a wonderfully refreshing step forward with their latest single. For those new to them, this is a band that bends musical conventions. The Pulltops boast an impressive 6.9k monthly listeners on Spotify, and their sound occupies a distinctly personal space that feels old-school but with a certifiably modern blend.
Mark Pierret on drums and Tom Crowell on guitar weave their respective influences; Pierret’s love for old country and soul, and Crowell’s love for experimental and underground music into a sound that is organic and electric.
Their newest? A pop-punk reinterpretation of the classic Christmas carol, On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships). The roots of “I Saw Three Ships” can be traced back through history, and this simplicity is part of its ever-lasting charm. It is often classified as a British carol, its melody lilting and almost hypnotically repetitive. Once formally arranged, its sparse instrumentation evokes the purity of the season: peace, hope, and a sense of wonder.
In a nutshell, the Pulltops’ version of “On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships)” is electrifying. A guitar riff on the first bar reveals it to be something entirely different. The intro, crunchy, overdriven power chords, hits you in the face like a snowball. The rhythm of Pierret and Crowell galvanizes them into an energy that would fuel an entire Christmas party.
Set at a noticeably faster tempo than the original, the driving rhythm section powers the song along. The drums punch and pop, Pierret applying a generally snare-centered beat fine-tuned as quintessentially Pop Punk. Syncopation in the guitar work adds to the scope, supplying a definition of urgency without falling into chaos. The refrain of “Oh oh oh,” laid out with harmony behind, makes a modern hook out of a traditional tune.
The holiday music genre is notorious for being oversaturated and that’s when the cover becomes either stale or a gimmick. The Pulltops sidestep both pitfalls by equally being sincere with their excitement and having a clear vision with On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships).
With that, the Pulltops join a lineage of artists who’ve successfully reimagined holiday standards. “On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships)” fits snugly into this, providing buoyant energy against more standard fare. It’s a good one.
I can honestly say I love this cover. I couldn’t resist putting it back into repeat mode. This one has majored in smashing it, perfect for ramping up an already-frenzy holiday season! Don’t forget to stream “On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships)” on Spotify.