03 Dec 2020 // A review by IslaMusic
I was dubious at the thought of reviewing a Christmas album. It’s not often that modern holiday tracks dodge the danger of cheesy cheer and forced rhyme. I’m pleased to say that Imperial April made me rethink my grinch-like tendencies with their holiday EP An April Christmas.

I Love This Time Of The Year took me back to 90's girl band rock. If you imagine what the Love Actually soundtrack would sound like if it was curated by No Doubt, then you’ll find yourself in the sonic realm of the first track. The ringing distorted guitars coupled with sleigh bell tambourines somehow captured the sound of Christmas in the summer. The modulation in the chorus boasted genuine musicality. I Love This Time Of Year won’t stay in one spot, weaving through different rhythms and chord progressions with finesse.

Present Anxiety enters the EP with an alien synth and indie rock drumkit. It’s a Christmas carol for the modern consumer, questioning if overbuying and wading through mall crowds is the right thing to do. Imperial April ask how a gift could take the place of genuine gratitude and words of affirmation for loved ones. The icing on the cake is a sick distorted guitar breakdown before a more mellow version of the chorus.

The EP wraps up with Wouldn’t Trade This Christmas, a conversation between the singer and various once a year companions. The track features another epic modulation, keeping the sound fresh. The lyrics on An April Christmas are real — they’re just the inner monologue of a 20-something navigating how they feel about Christmas. Frontwoman Victoria delivers a charmingly nonchalant vocal performance reminiscent of The Beths, making this the ultimate millennial Christmas soundtrack.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 5 / 5 )

One band's trash is another band's treasure. Imperial April began as a way to up-cycle songs that didn’t quite fit the mould of Victoria and Andy Knopp’s electro-pop project The Response. At first just a selection of songs burnt to CD-R for a mother’s day present, the project has taken on a life of it’s own. After years as a supporting musician lurking in the shadows, Victoria has found a voice as front person. Blending catchy melodies and contemplative lyrics, Imperial April deliver guitar heavy power pop that is sure to get stuck firmly in your head.

For fans of Weezer, The Beths, The Cars, Lucy Dacus and Angel Olsen.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Imperial April

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