Newfoundland folk duo Quote the Raven softly remind us that Christmas bells can ring very hollow with a new single and video “Lonely Christmas Eve”. Everything that one may look forward to; the decorations, food, gifts, parties, music, traditions, even the abomination that is eggnog—can quickly reveal themselves as pointless and ultimately worthless when you cannot be with those who really provide the reason for the season.
The longing song was penned by Kristen and Jordan fittingly, around a fireplace and ironically enough with the help of friends at a song camp in Western Newfoundland this past summer. The collaborators focused on how dismal and isolating those yuletide features become with lyrics reflective of both heartbreak and potential seasonal depression “There’s not much snow this December; the evergreen trees look boring and bland.” The contrast of this overwhelming loneliness against the red and green glow of Christmas lights paints a vivid and chilling portrait. For every Hallmark Holiday movie ending, many will find themselves pining on December 24th, and Quote the Raven beautifully gives a voice to their plight.
The video (their first-ever official one) is an amazing showcase of just how much the emotional weight of music can fundamentally alter the meaning of visuals. The imagery of the Christmas cookies, lights, and friends and family gathering for a holiday party would fit right at home in your typical holiday scene or commercial. Yet amidst the atmosphere of this song they provoke a deep sense of bitter sadness as the duo harmonizes about Christmas without you. The combination leaves you burdened with the awareness that these happy moments amount to nothing more than echoes.
The pair will have a Christmas show on December 11th at the Masonic Temple in St John’s as part of their Christmas Back Home Pop-Up Series and are also allowing fans to join them via live stream. As we all prepare for a very uncertain December, Quote the Raven and company hope that this song stirs your soul so that you reach out to those you will be missing this year. Do what you can to ensure those closest to you are not truly lonely this Christmas eve.