Erasure Profile
Those expecting the perhaps more predictable big glittery bauble on an aluminium tree might be taken aback by the veteran synth-pop duo's take on Christmas album clichés. This is mostly moodier stuff, from traditionals like a crooning Silent Night highlighting Andy Bell's still rich tones, and Gaudete, a medieval hymn previously covered by '70s proggy folkies Steeleye Span. Bell and Vince Clarke's smattering of originals are also more reflective fare, rather than untying the bows and tearing off the wrapping paper, the 'frozen heart' of Blood On The Snow giving some hint of the yuletide melancholy afoot.
