Throughout the second half of 2025, US punkers King of Cups have been teasing a forthcoming album. Each of the singles have shown the band in a position of musical strength: ‘Let The World Burn’ introduced elements of emo and power pop into their pop punk core; ‘Waited’ leaned further towards a world of emo/alternative rock with the help of a few heavier riffs and some Linkin Park-esque keys, and ‘Lighthouse’ – arguably the best of the record’s three pre-release tracks – augmented a stronger emo influence with some great harmonies, but without losing the King of Cups crunch.

As strong as those singles were, they didn’t share a feeling of fun. The band’s Xmas track redresses some of that balance. From the second it kicks in with a raft of sleigh bells and a huge sounding riff, there’s a lightness to ‘Naughty List All Year’ piece that suits the subject matter brilliantly. Then, working through a verse where spacious grooves and chunky guitar chords show more than a pinch of influence from classic ‘…Cork Tree’ era Fall Out Boy, and throwing themselves headlong into a pop punk chorus where huge vocals glide over a spiky yet melodic backdrop, King of Cups really hit their stride. In melodic terms, the chorus doesn’t break any new ground for the band, but by sticking to the tried and tested, it shows how effectively they can rework a classic early noughties style to their advantage.

For those looking for something a little tougher, a middle eight offers a melodic hardcore breakdown. Although the musical shift is somewhat brief, it gives this track a superb sense of musical balance and – lack of keys, aside – in doing so, this becomes a recording that wedges all of the band’s chief musical sounds and interests, along with a fun, festive lyric into a pleasingly tight three minutes. In terms of alternative festive fare, ‘Naughty List All Year’ will definitely brighten up any well curated Xmas playlist.

Check out the track below.