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Single Review: Sarantos “Same Old Christmas”

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of the year, full of joy and hope and dreams. Yet for some, Christmas is met with reminders of loneliness, regrets from the year past, and general disappointment. From his full-length release; A Spoonful of Greece, Sarantos releases his take on this feeling of prevailing dread with Same Old Christmas. Sarantos is known for using his colorful metaphors and vivid imagery as he weaves poetic magic in his indie/experimental rock sound. With Same Old Christmas we get much of the same, a narrative of sweeping malaise at this time of year. “I’ve gone thru my life, But I can’t enjoy the ride, Played it safe no lucky break, I never had a seat on Santa’s sleigh.” This overtone of sadness when one should be happy surmised by; “But when the time has come, Those disappointing bells have rung, It’s the same old Christmas.” Of course, in true Sarantos fashion, he is not one to be weighed down by this misery. He will rise above it, and continue to reach for his dreams, expectations, and hopes. “Every single year, As December’s drawing near, I put my hope in Christmas, Cause I always love Christmas.” and in the epitaph of his journey, he comes full circle; “I just need help, Learning not to run away, So I’ll just say, Merry Christmas to you.” A beautifully choreographed narrative for a wonderful time of year. Leave it to Sarantos to find a voice for those who don’t seem to have one of their own.

Accompanied by a wonderful piano melody and a pulsating steady groove which drives the rhythm, Sarantos incorporates jingle bells in the most opportune times to capture the hidden Christmas spirit always seeping into his lyrical form. The effective instrumentation is coupled by the dynamic range of Sarantos’ voice as he pushes his register into higher registers than he normally sings, He does this highly effectively, maybe it’s the magic of Christmas that gives him his angelic inflection. Same Old Christmas tells more than just a story; it captures the entire circulating moods and emotions of everyone during the holiday scramble. It holds the listener close and tells them, you are not alone, and it is this empathetic approach that makes this track so very enjoyable. The hook from the chorus section elicits a sing-along response in the audience, as the performance builds tension throughout each verse and bridge. It is these qualities that make Same Old Christmas marketable, and should see success on Adult Contemporary, or Soft Rock commercial radio formats.

–Lee Callaghan

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

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“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”

Morpheus von Dobenhausen

RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.

Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.

“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.

With this first release, RoHaNa confidently joins the scene, thanks to XanadumusiX’s never-ending creative drive, even when things get hard in the winter. This release not only introduces a new artist with significant potential but also showcases a bold artistic direction in which emotion, atmosphere, and story come together to make a lasting impression.

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