Originally released in December 2020, just in time for Xmas – the “lockdown Christmas”, unless you happened to be a Tory MP – The Kut’s ‘Waiting For Christmas’ is the ultimate downbeat Xmas track.

Several years on, it sounds as good as ever. Taking a mid tempo melody as its base, the number works a clean rhythm guitar and steady drum part, and layers it gradually over the course of four minutes. From the outset, the blend of mournful piano, warm bass and melodic vocal really catches the ear. The Kut’s vocal style here, favouring long, low key notes, is dramatically different from the sound on her rockier tracks, and immediately sounds remeniscent of those great Bif Naked ballads from the late 90s. Even when adopting a higher tone for a louder chorus, her vocal mood is rather more “sophisticated pop rock” than full on belt, and the music also takes a more melancholy shape compared to the chunky alternative sound explored elswhere in The Kut’s catalogue.

Lyrically, the number explores a festive period that brings a world of worries to the forefront, but everything feels strangely beautiful rather than full on sad, and the way a rising guitar meets with a peel of bells on the main hook gives the melody an unexpectedly rousing feel. It’s actually the kind of festive track that has the potential to be enjoyed throughout the year.

For those who like their festive fare to feel a little more thoughtful, ‘Waiting For Christmas’ will be the kind of track that endures. It sounds even better at the close of 2024 than it did the first time around, and for this re-release, The Kut is donating £1 from each sale to the White Ribbon charity.

You can buy the coloured vinyl edition and the CD single from the Criminal Records store here.
You can also take a listen to the track below.