A winter-themed EP from Phoebe Bridgers was quite the shock. So Much Wine is a delightful release that appeared almost out of nowhere. Six bittersweet tracks that embody the artistic qualities the Punisher artist has so often relied on. Indie folk meets chamber Christmas tracks that blur consistency with originality. There is a comforting notion throughout these six tracks, especially the title piece that displays that family reunion styling, the wine needed to get through from course to course. Niceness, calming likeability is spread across the tracks here in a piece that relays Bridgers’ work as something that can work for all seasons.
Still, is it any surprise that one of the most consistent and promising artists of the last few years is knocking out a strong EP of Christmas tunes? Not at all. Bridgers’ work on So Much Wine elevates itself beyond that of a pop riff Christmas track and finds a rare integrity that so few festive-themed tunes have. So Much Wine is a delicate beast, riffing through with that acoustic charm. It is a great track that utilises Bridgers’ vocals best of all, far better than the rest of the pieces on this EP. That is not to say the rest of the EP is not abundant in quality, but it is the key track. Day After Tomorrow follows up with those chamber pop charms front and centre. Echoing lyrics of blood and soldiers to the backing of an orchestral presence that lingers on with elements found in Daniel Knox’s Chasescene piece from a few years ago.
Bleeding in classic notes of Silent Night into that second track gives a delightful, festive appeal. Even with that obvious connection to the holiday season, Bridgers’ EP transcends the usual run-of-the-mill contenders for Christmas-themed tracks. So Much Wine and the tracks throughout note that the best of festive music is around Christmas, not about it. The seasonal feeling more important than the exact replication of nights spent in the cheery season. Winter as a mood board, discovered well throughout by Bridgers’ exceptional qualities as a lyricist and singer. Christmas Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas are clear connotations of the festive season, but they act as exceptional album closers with a spin unique to Bridgers. If We Make It Through December sees a seasonal depression explode into a longing for the warmer seasons, and it works with a similar sounding display of longing piano keys and sombre lyrics.
Sobering So Much Wine may be, it is a piece that offers a riff on classics as well as original pieces. December-oriented tracks open the EP, and covers of Silent Night and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas close the piece. Fiona Apple and Matt Berninger’s inclusion on 7 O’Clock News / Silent Night is a barrage of lyrics that works incredibly well. The serenity of a classic breached by the horrors of a news report. There is a clear back and forth there, the avoidance of guilt and trouble over the festive period, as though tinsel and wrapping paper can mask the pressing troubles around Bridgers’ music. A brilliant, accessible and crucially interesting festive piece. They may be old tracks, but they feel revitalised on this EP release. A Christmas-oriented release can rarely outlive the festive season, but Bridgers may have cracked it. Holidays are for the heartbroken, So Much Wine engages that well.
