HO HO WHO: Des Ark has been plugging away at rock songs and folk songs for years, once via Richmond and now via Philadelphia. The band has been a trio, a duo, and—as in this case—a solo affair. Though it’s had relatively few official releases, Des Ark has been involved with local labels from Exotic Fever to Lovitt.
CHOCOLATE REINDEER FOR EVERYONE: On this one, Aimee Argote’s voice is as soft and soothing as a warm cup of cocoa on a winter’s day. The folky, fingerpicked ballad bleeds nostalgia with its confessional storytelling, and Argote’s sincerity envelops you like a holiday-themed slanket (which The Sleigher would gladly accept as a gift if anyone is curious).
STALE HALF-EATEN SANTAS FOR ME: Sure, the song was inspired by someone eating the much-anticipated Christmas candy in her Advent calendar (on December 3, no less), but it’s awfully hard to connect this song to December 25. A subtle mention of tinsel, a vague description of snow, even a toss-off line about white beards would’ve been appreciated. Sad songs are great, but The Sleigher likes to know they are definitely about Christmas (or Hanukkah).
CHEER FACTOR: 6/10 Great melancholic tune but definitely Christmas-related in theory more than in practice.