“Second Time Around” was inspired by lead singer and songwriter Martin Montague’s own experience of holiday romance in Ibiza — one of the rare moments where Don’t Look Now venture into love song territory, albeit with the warmth and wit that defines everything they do. Recorded at The Dream of Ozwald Studios in Warren Row near Maidenhead and produced by Keith James, the track features keyboards from Gini Hogarth and backing vocals from Damian de la Hunty. It is a song that sounds like the first day of a holiday feels — and the fact that it remains the band’s most streamed recording years after its release says everything about its staying power.

Don’t Look Now are not a band that arrived fully formed from a single influence or a single genre. They were not interested in that then, and they are certainly not interested in it now.

The project began as an acoustic and folk-rock outfit, founded by Martin Montague as a vehicle for intelligent, story-driven songwriting. Everything changed with the arrival of saxophonist Ian Thomson, whose jazz-influenced playing transformed the band’s sound across their subsequent albums — adding a dimension that is immediately recognisable and impossible to replicate. Their musical palette now spans rock and roll, pop, soul, funk, and reggae, topped with saxophone work that nods to the jazz greats, all filtered through the distinctly British wit and irreverence of their influences: The Beautiful South, The Smiths, The Kinks, Madness, and Squeeze.

What truly sets them apart, however, is not the sound. It is the subject matter.

Forget the tired rotation of love-you-hate-you, I-want-you-back chart fodder. Don’t Look Now write songs about stamp collecting, bank robbery, tabloid journalism, selling used cars, staying calm in a crisis, artificial intelligence, a particular style of glasses worn by John Lennon, and having an affair with your cousin. They have their own Christmas song, which they will be re-releasing every year until the end of time. And they are always keen to talk about the elephant in the room — especially given that it is the title of their most recent album.

“Second Time Around” sits slightly outside that tradition — but even the band’s love songs have a story worth following.

⇒ Check out our review for “Second Time Around” here.

Don’t Look Now have now released three full-length albums: Like the Do It in the Films, Once Upon a Time, and their most recent, The Elephant in the Room. Lead singer Martin Montague has also released two solo albums, both available to stream. Across all of it, “Second Time Around” remains the band’s most streamed track — a testament to the enduring appeal of a song that captures a specific, universal feeling and wraps it in music that simply makes people happy.

That duality is exactly where the song finds its charm. There’s a light teasing quality in its groove, the kind that draws you in without demanding too much, carried effortlessly by that uplifting saxophone line. It feels playful, almost conversational. But just beneath that surface, there’s a sincerity that grounds it. Inspired by Martin Montague’s Ibiza romance, the track leans into the intimacy of fleeting connection, the kind you know won’t last, yet somehow stays with you.

Musically, it moves with ease. The saxophone isn’t just an accessory; it becomes the song’s emotional compass: lifting, gliding, and occasionally winking right back at you. Around it, the textures remain warm and uncluttered, with keyboards from Gini Hogarth and backing vocals by Damian de la Hunty adding depth without ever weighing the track down. Everything feels intentional, but never overworked.

There’s also a subtle intelligence in how Don’t Look Now approaches storytelling. Echoes of The Beautiful South and The Kinks come through, not in imitation, but in spirit. It’s that balance of wit and warmth, observation and feeling. “Second Time Around” doesn’t dramatize its narrative; it simply lets it unfold, trusting the listener to meet it halfway.

And maybe that’s why it endures. It doesn’t try to be bigger than it is. Instead, it stays close: personal, reflective, and just playful enough to keep you returning.

Second Time Around by Don’t Look Now lives right in that delicate space between a smile and a memory; flirting just enough to pull you in, and confessing just enough to make you stay!

“First Snowfall Memory” unfolds like a gentle winter’s dream, blending soft melodies with soulful delivery to evoke nostalgia, love, and hope. Through vivid lyrical imagery—such as “a million small flakes falling down to the ground… the same way a memory comes in a rush”—Grimme captures the quiet beauty of seasonal transitions and the unbreakable bond of shared experiences. The song’s themes resonate deeply, reminding us that even as time marches on, the glow of our most treasured recollections remains as fresh and unyielding as new-fallen snow. As a holiday anthem, it stands out for its sincerity, offering a poignant counterpoint to the season’s more boisterous celebrations.

“This song came from a place of deep reflection and gratitude,” shares Grimme. “Each verse is a window into moments that have shaped my life and heart. It’s about how even as time moves forward, the warmth of our memories never fades—like that first gentle snowfall.”

Produced, composed, arranged, and written entirely by Grimme, the single was mastered at LANDR and Sapphire Star Studios in Frelinghuysen, New Jersey, ensuring a polished yet intimate sound that highlights her storytelling prowess. The accompanying music video, directed and produced at Sapphire Star Studios, enhances the track’s evocative imagery with visually stunning scenes of winter wonder and emotional depth. Viewers can catch the premiere on Bongo Boy TV, which airs on over 72 terrestrial and cable channels across the U.S., as well as on Roku, Apple TV, and Vimeo.

“First Snowfall Memory” is also featured on the upcoming holiday compilation Let’s Have a Rockin’ Christmas, Volume Ten, part of Bongo Boy Records’ beloved Holiday Music Tradition Series.

Monique Grimme, an accomplished songwriter, producer, and creative visionary, draws from her family history, personal experiences, and passion for poetry to craft music that fosters universal connections. As co-founder of Bongo Boy Records and Bongo Boy TV— the latter an independent music-video show reminiscent of classic MTV—Grimme continues to champion independent artists through innovative promotions and global distribution.

Formed in 2016 by Doug Hibovski as a one-off project bringing together four adult music students from his music school, the band clicked and evolved into a fixture at Toronto’s local festivals, street parties, and pubs. “Unwrap You At Christmas” leans into that vintage blues and rock ‘n roll sound they’re known for, complete with a playful double entendre that lead vocalist Ed Lounsbury describes as either cheeky or innocent depending on how you hear it. Maybe it’s about unwrapping presents, maybe it’s about something else entirely. The mid-song mouth-trumpet solo was originally a placeholder that sounded so perfectly goofy they kept it in the final cut.

Musically, all the bells (pun intended) and whistles of a Christmas-themed composition are here. The drums specifically deserve all the praise here because without that delicious swing, this song would ultimately feel cheesy and not in a fun way, but thankfully, the drums got plenty of swing. The trumpets and bass bring the bounce to the rhythm section and complement the drums very well, and they highlight the song’s main wholesome melody.

5 Neat Guys have been refining their sound across four studio albums, and “Unwrap You At Christmas” shows they know how to have fun without taking themselves too seriously. The vintage-inspired production and that ridiculous mouth-trumpet solo prove they’re willing to commit to the bit. With PLAY CHRISTMAS MUSIC!! Now out and the band continuing to build their reputation through local and internet radio, they’ve carved out their niche as Toronto’s go-to for classic blues and rock with a sense of humour. If you need a Christmas song that rocks without being saccharine, this does the job.

Bristol-based pop-rock band Chandra has delivered the perfect dose of festive joy with their latest single, Christmas Hugs, released on November 22, 2024. Packed with upbeat melodies, cheeky pop-rock charm, and a nostalgic nod to holiday classics, this track is a radiant celebration of the Christmas spirit.

Following the success of their Lifted EP earlier this year, Christmas Hugs takes Chandra’s signature melody-driven sound and infuses it with festive magic. But don’t be fooled by its playful exterior, this is more than just a feel-good holiday tune. Frontman Chandra Nair describes the song as a tribute to the way the holiday season brings out the best in people:

“Christmas is a time when people give themselves permission to be kinder, more forgiving, and more charitable than usual. Christmas Hugs celebrates that transformation, acting like a great big hug in song form.”

Co-produced with longtime collaborator Aaron Shawt and paired with whimsical cover art by the iconic Wil Overton, Christmas Hugs is as vibrant visually as it is musically. For those who like their carols with a twist, the band is also releasing a sped-up version, adding extra zest to the festive vibes.

The accompanying music video is a glowing bundle of warmth and smiles, featuring the band performing in a cozy, beautifully lit Christmas yurt. It’s a simple yet heartwarming portrayal of holiday cheer that practically guarantees a genuine smile.

Known for tackling themes like tolerance and equality, Chandra blends their thoughtful storytelling with the festive joy of Christmas Hugs. The result is a track that lifts spirits while encouraging as well as asserting kindness and community.

If you’re searching for a song that embodies the warmth, joy, and goodwill of the season, Christmas Hugs is exactly what you need to brighten your playlist. With a second EP already in the works for summer 2025, Chandra continues to prove that their music is as heartfelt as it is infectious.