We are opening door number 20 on the Moshville Times Advent Calendar (check out the playlist which goes back a few years), and today we are heading across the pond to Pittsburgh for a slice of high-calibre melodic rock. XDB (formerly the Xander Demos Band) have dropped a new seasonal single titled “Snowfall Serenade”, and it’s a proper winter warmer for those who like their festive tunes with a bit of shred.
If you aren’t familiar with the name, XDB started life in 2009 as a solo vehicle for guitarist Xander Demos, a man whose fretboard wizardry has seen him tour with the likes of Ripper Owens and share stages with everyone from Winger to Steelheart. Over the years, however, the project has evolved into a full-blown collaborative powerhouse. The current lineup is something of a melodic rock machine, featuring Brendan Callahan on keys and guitar, Rob Kane on vocals and rhythm guitar, Guy Cole on drums, and Emily Stroup on bass and lead vocals.
“Snowfall Serenade” puts Stroup’s vocals front and centre, blending her expressive delivery with Demos’ signature technical guitar work. It’s not your standard jingle-bell fodder; this is an evocative, atmospheric rock track that captures the beauty of the season without descending into cheese. The band describes it as an immersive listening experience, layering soaring harmonies over a bed of rich composition.
With a resume that includes opening slots for Nelson and Symphony X, these guys know their way around a hook. If you need a break from the endless loops of Mariah and Wham!, stick this on your holiday playlist and let the guitars do the talking.
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