THE MARS MCCLANES
¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?
Portland, United States
Did you expect The Mars McClanes to miss the opportunity to release an X-Mas single? Well, you can sleep easy tonight, their cover of the underrated ‘¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?’, originally by Angie Rios, is a no-holes-barred cover for the ages. They bring their 00s influence all the way back to this 1950s staple and it works like a charm. The vocals are upbeat, jovial and hit that angst harmonic that’s always sitting just out of reach. When they smash it, the guitars blaring, the cymbals smashing, and the bass bopping, the festive feelings flow. A wonderful choice for a cover, one that I believe many haven’t listened to time and time again. This feels fresh and rocking.
The Mars McClanes have really made this song their own. Adding frills and rolls and not diminishing their signature sound at all. It feels like post-punk rock and it feels like a Christmas chart-topper, all at once. A fascinating display of Yuletide miracle-making. The song feels like Adam and the Ants with more spring in their step, it does the classic justice, making it wholly new, painting it bright red and green and covering the track in rock and roll tinsel.
I can never have enough of The Mars McClanes, and as far as Christmas songs are concerned, this is certainly my favourite of the year. Punk out this Christmas, you’ve earned it. - FREDDIE MCKEE