Following this is a cover of Slade's perennial favourite 'Merry Xmas Everybody'. I don't think anyone is really calling for another cover of possibly the most over-played Christmas song but in stripping it back to a piano ballad with strings at least gives its a new, more downbeat feel, and it's possibly the best cover version of the classic in the long time. with a slightly sombre feeling to the delivery and some more accomplished breakdowns, plus a neat little carol-interpolation at the end.
'Merry Christmas Mum and Dad', the lyrics for which appear as part of the deliciously designed physical package, is the centre piece of the record, a very moving ode to Devlin's family and upringing, and though the style of the piece is very similar to the tracks that procede it it's all done in such a nicely warming way.
The second cover on the record is 'White Christmas' and though rather similar to previous versions is a great listen.
The EP wraps up with two more original tunes, the Eye Spy and 'Night Before Christmas' referencing 'Something Beginning with Christmas' and 'Christmas Kiss'. Track five is the only really upbeat number on the piece and offers something a little different and though the lyrical structure is a bit freer and more scattergun its all delivered with such love. The closer 'Christmas Kiss' is arguably my favourite on the EP, the best written of the original material numbers and like a more subdued antidote to 'Santa Baby' mixed with the feelings behind 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'.
Overall 'Little Lights' is a delight of an EP, the perfect stripped-back warming festive collection that feels like the perfect soundtrack to a festive night in front of a fire with a hot chocolate. Or mulled wine of course. (8/10)
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