The Christmas album, an exercise as typical as it is traditional for American artists, spares no genre. From crooners (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin) to metalheads (Rob Halford), via all the greats of soul (James Brown), pop (Beach Boys) or country (Willie Nelson): everyone must take a turn. So a Yuletide record from the Eagles of Death Metal is hardly a surprise. But there is no telling how they will approach the material. We know how the offbeat humour in Jessie Devil Hughes's band can set sparks flying. Except that, on this occasion, the untamed frontman has moderated his madness, making for an EP with a rather classic Christmas sound. Of course, the singer is still his usual quirky self, the visual design of A Boots Electric Christmas announcing the overall theme. But despite the title, this album is more about respecting heritage and traditions than about tearing them down. This electric Christmas is actually very acoustic in spirit. In the end, what lends the exercise its fun and levity is Hughes's vocals. He brings mirth and mischief to many verses, like on Put a Little Love in Your Heart. After all, too much cloying sentimentality at Christmas can make you sicker than a Turkey overdose at Thanksgiving. By avoiding this pitfall, the Eagles of Death Metal deliver a record to listen to by the fire with a neighbour, chuckling at each other’s bad Christmas jumpers. © Chief Brody/Qobuz