Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Stock up nuts, make sure the spirit is overflowing and perhaps pull a cracker or two, the time of year in which inhibitions go out the window, emotions are high and we all hope for that special something, some wish for peace on Earth, some the prospect of just a day to themselves and the quiet abandon afforded with solitude, for some the vision of Santa Claus dangling with his legs akimbo in thin air as he comes down the chimney is enough to put a smile on their red rose faces and chocolate spread delighted lips.

Perhaps it is just the time of year to revel in the music which is created, forget the world for a while and drift into splendid ideas as the snow hopefully falls and the inevitable endless repeats of sprouts make the rounds, handed down like an old family jumper, unloved but insisted upon by your mother as it is traditional and good for you.

In steps the familiar sight of Rob Clarke and the Wooltones, another record from the band in which to seek solace from the world and raise a cheery glass to, some might deplore the time of year, however when the feeling is this good it is hard to ignore the sentiment and the only thing to realistically do, is surrender and shout Bring Me Wooltones This Year.

Whilst there are enough songs contained to consider the release an album, it is in the usual style that the package is an E.P., a large and well wrapped present, no secret lists entailed and bribery of sherry and mince pies, just a collection of short but well-endowed tunes in which Rob Clarke, GP Chesters and Pepe Hoonose revel within, which make the end of year and passing of time much more enjoyable.

Across songs such as Another Wooltones Xmas Record, Santa Claus, Blue Christmas, Entente Cordiale and the closer of a perhaps tongue in cheek rendition of We Wish You A Merry Xmas, Rob Clarke and the Wooltones spread their own cheer with ease; Christmas isn’t for everybody, the emotion of it for some is too much to bare, but with songs created to ease that burden, not picking apart at the seam of life and causing heartache, Bring Me Wooltones This Year and every year is a plan always worth adhering to.

Ian D. Hall