Don't Be A Stranger
Ho ho
ia!/Headstomp

Don't Be A Stranger claim in an interview that the title of this 4-song EP is not a "Santa 'ho ho'" but the fact that "every song we make has an "ho ho" lyrics-part in it." Indeed, there is no holiday jolliness on here, but there is a charming sense of humor ("I know I'll be your perfect problem" she sings to the man she wants in one song, and in another she offers the come on line "We could be lonely together!"), and you gotta love a band that describes itself on their MySpace page as "Christian Rap/Hawaiian/Screamo." The sound is more accurately described as somewhere between Labrador-like twee, mellow rhythms and smooth singing, and indiepop's clever edges. The arrangements are often sparse, highlighting the singer's lovely voice. It's a tightly crafted fine listen, but easy to forget once it's over.
- Nancy Baym