I am a fan of these guys, so even before I had listened to Christmas Tamales, I already knew the degree of schlock rock I was in for. So when I say their latest release, let alone Sluka‘s first ever holiday single, is twice as fun as the usual top 40 Jesus’ birthday jingles, I mean it.
Take a listen to the song for yourself and let us know your thoughts below in the comment section.
“I can hear the arrangement, structure, and the lyrics. So, that’s when I sit down at the piano or guitar and begin to make a demo in my home studio” – Christopher Sluka
This song is one part Tenacious D, one part orchestrated glam rock wonder, and one part early 60’s Zappa-fied freak show grace. All of this genre blending is done masterfully, and with patience, because Sluka knows how to make a theatrical spectacle with rockaway nobility as well as any other band that tries its hardest to melt your face off. And now, even when it comes to Christmas, these guys continue to push the limit of what is “good” or “bad” with a respectful dollop of “we don’t give a fuck” mixed in to their oddball boogie.
Christopher Sluka has been making a name for himself for years, and with this tamale tale, the guy has become a living testament to boundary pushing at a time where indie rock has diluted and dilated the youth with primacies of youth, success, and getting laid for the sake of it. Sluka goes the other way, past the egos and fragilities of searching popularity, over the hills and far away from “what is hip” and straight into the hearts of those who still love the idea of Chuck Berry scorching the holiday blues away with a song about a red nosed reindeer.
While Sluka is clearly the brand name band leader, special thanks to Anna Eppink (Bass), Michael Bedard (Drums), Nico Hueso (Violin & Viola), Erdis Maxhelaku (Cello), and Brad Steinwehe (Bassoon, Piccolo & Flute) who are all respectfully terrific. I look forward to seeing this spicy track on future Spotify playlists.
