74. EP Review of Yuletide by Eth Eonel

Originally Published on December 10th

About the Artist

Eth Eonel is the stage name of Kenneth Holter, a solo recording artist from Moss, Norway. At 45, music has always been a part of Holter’s life. As a vocal coach, an author, and a teacher, he is well equipped with the capacity to offer a melodically engaging, storytelling experience for listeners that come across his music. 

Eth Eonel has been writing music his entire life. Through both solo ventures and as a member of various bands throughout his past, he started releasing these songs with his debut album Drawing Lines (1989) releasing in 2011. He would follow this release up five years later, in 2016, with Another Failure. These releases, considered “archival releases, are inspired by Holter’s time in elementary school. 

Apart from a couple of singles, Eth Eonel wouldn’t release again until 2023, when his third album, See Through Mirrors (2003-2004), and fourth album, The Indescribable L (2012), would both release. Then in 2024, he would release his fifth album, The Way They See It (Remixes and Reworkings).

Eth Eonel has been sharing a chronological experience of his writings over decades of experience playing with bands like Aloysius, Magic Music, and even all the way back to elementary school, he was in the band Tutti Fruity with members of his family. Since activating his recording career, he has collaborated with artists like Sir Chimpanzi, Swedish artist Terrorbit, and German artist, Hans Kämmerer.

Eth Eonel originally wrote the song Yuletide in 2005 and had originally planned on releasing the song through his various archival releases, but then got the idea to release a Christmas album. This idea finalized into an EP, including two original works and two covers.

About the EP

Yuletide Is a 4-song EP by Norwegian recording artist Eth Eonel. At just under fifteen minutes, it released on November 26th, 2024. It was recorded and produced by Eth Eonel at his studio, Eonel Sound. 

About the Music

Yuletide is vocally driven, with both lead and backing vocals, mainly accompanied by piano, various percussions, bass guitar, and synths.

The first track, Holiday, is a very uplifting, upbeat opener that provides a layer of backing vocals to accompany Eonel’s lead part. Vocally, his tone is a firm reminder of Ben Folds. Paired with the well crafted piano arrangements, it is a friendly comparison, though there are certainly differences between the two artists.

Yuletide is a bit of a slower, groovier track, intending to capture an emotional correlation with the holiday season; a task that is most certainly achieved. The thing that really stands out in this track is the piano arrangement that is completely dialed in to the emotional complexities of the song.

Grown-Up Christmas List, a cover, is Eth Eonel’s favorite Christmas song. This song, a true ballad, is the most ornamental vocal performance, as the accompaniment allows him to really step forward and showcase his range.

The EP closes with Underneath the Tree, a very poppy and peppy cover of another holiday classic. This song is also very much a great pairing with Eonel’s range as his vocal melody really soars through the entire track. Accompanied by organs, sleigh bells, and a driving bass, it brings forth an uplifting and spirited close to a heartfelt composition, guaranteed to put its listener directly in the holiday spirit.

About the Lyrics

Lyrically, Yuletide is a very spirited and positive message that truly captures a direct seasonal message of love and joy. 

“This is the Yuletide. This is the time for delight. But most of all, it is a time for joy. This is the Yuletide. This is the season of cheer. But most of all, it is a time for love.”

The chorus continues with this message: 

“Hearts are aglow and the world feels so near. Season of love, let the magic appear.”

The message is simple, direct, and perfectly applies to the genre. The lyrics are catchy and clear; easy to sing along with. This is a great example of what makes a holiday classic.

Final Thoughts

Eth Eonel set out to release a Christmas album and, though it isn’t a full length LP, he has succeeded in capturing the holiday spirit with this 4-song EP. I know it is one I will be frequently spinning every holiday season going forward. There are nostalgic elements to each one of these tracks, like the sounds of sleigh bells, and the connection from one track to the next makes for easy listening and a steady flow, almost as if it were one 13-minute song. I thoroughly enjoyed this release. 

Eth Eonel has given us the gift of anticipation this holiday season as he promises to continue his work into 2025, where he has planned to release several more archived solo works. Additionally, there will be a debut release from his alternative metal band, The Sleeper Service, a debut release from his synthpop group As the Sun Hits, and an upcoming project via an unnamed collaboration with Kämmerer. 

I can’t wait to bring on the new year with all of this new music!

You can follow Eth Eonel on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

Yuletide is streaming on Spotify and anywhere else you get your music! 

So, as carolers sing a familiar classic:

Dashing through the snow

In a one horse open sleigh

Please don’t hesitate

Run and go press play!

(I know….)