Exclusive: Just Happy To Be Here Take On The Kinks Festive Classic “Father Christmas”

Formed in the midst of the pandemic, New Jersey pop-punk crew Just Happy To Be Here unveiled their all-action debut EP, Ready As I’m Gonna Be, in summer 2023. With a pugnacious vocals and punchy guitars, Just Happy To Be Here hark to the genre throwbacks, whilst presenting with the energy and emo-laced angst of their more recent contemporaries. Nodding to the likes of The Wonder Years and Simple Plan, the East Coast quintet created a rookie release that married a seasoned Jersey grit with bountiful choruses; the subsequent collection was both accessible and perennially honest.

As fans get ready to roast chestnuts around the fire, the rockers have kicked off advent with a raucous, Christmas Goes Punk cover of The Kinks seasonal classic, Father Christmas. The track is available via streaming platforms from November 29th through Manic Kat Records, but here at The Punk Site we’re starting the festive season early with an exclusive preview of the track.

“Christmas just got a whole lot louder! We decided to take Father Christmas by The Kinks, throw in some power chords, half-time drums, and a sprinkle of holiday chaos. It’s the same rebellious anthem you know and love, just with a pop-punk twist. So grab your Santa hats, turn up the volume, and get ready to mosh around the Christmas tree!” (guitarist & vocalist Justin Kostelnik)