Astro-Lloyd delivers a Wild, Joy-Soaked Holiday Ride on Their New EP “Greetings from the Galaxy.”
Swedish alt-rock misfits Astro-Lloyd return with a festive blast of distortion, humor, and pure musical adrenaline on their new three-track EP “Greetings from the Galaxy.” Based in Malmö and known for their fuzz-heavy riffs, explosive energy, and proudly unpolished charm, the band flips the script on what a Christmas release can be. Instead of leaning into predictable nostalgia, they build something entirely their own, scrappy, bright, chaotic, and surprisingly heartwarming.
“Greetings from the Galaxy” stands out as an alt-rock Christmas EP that refuses to behave. Blending one reimagined original with two unexpected covers, Astro-Lloyd crafts a holiday experience that feels fresh rather than obligatory, joyfully rough instead of overly sentimental. Where many artists lean soft and safe during the season, the band opts for loud guitars, reworked arrangements, and a sense of playfulness that makes the project feel alive.
The EP opens with a new festive version of “Searchlights,” originally from the band’s debut album Astro Life. Though never written as a Christmas track, its themes of December stress, overstimulation, the pressure to keep up with everyone and everything made it a holiday anthem hiding in plain sight. Astro-Lloyd leans all the way in: sleigh bells, crunchy guitars, and a melodic punch turn “Searchlights” into a chaotic yet relatable soundtrack for anyone who has ever wrapped gifts at 2 AM while questioning their life choices.
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| Astro-Lloyd delivers a Wild, Joy-Soaked Holiday Ride on Their New EP “Greetings from the Galaxy.” |
Next is the band’s bold reinterpretation of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” Rather than attempting a faithful recreation, Astro-Lloyd rebuilds the Lennon/Ono classic from the ground up. Their version is louder, faster, and unmistakably theirs: a Scandinavian, stressed-out, alt-rock twist on a global peace anthem. It captures the band’s ethos perfectly: respect the original, but don’t be afraid to crash through it with a fuzz pedal.
The EP closes with a fan-focused gift: a turbocharged cover of “You and Me Song” by The Wannadies. Released in 1994, this beloved Swedish track already carries a kind of evergreen joy, and Astro-Lloyd amplifies that feeling with youthful exuberance and distortion-kissed warmth. It’s sweet, energetic, nostalgic, and a perfect choice for a “thank you” to listeners who’ve supported them all year.
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| Astro-Lloyd delivers a Wild, Joy-Soaked Holiday Ride on Their New EP “Greetings from the Galaxy.” |
As a whole, “Greetings from the Galaxy” does exactly what a great holiday release should do: lift spirits, create connection, and inject a bit of magic into the winter chaos. But it also does something most Christmas projects never attempt: it sounds unapologetically like the band who made it. There’s heart in every note and humor in every decision. This is Christmas through the lens of alt-rock outsiders who make music that “slaps you in the chops,” yet still manages to radiate warmth.
Get In Touch With Astro-Lloyd:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrolloydband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrolloyd/?hl=en
Website: https://www.astro-lloyd.com
