Santa Claws returned on October 2nd, 2026, with “Sands of Time,” a compelling second full-length album that captures the French indie rock band’s artistic maturity through eight tracks of alternative rock, melodic songwriting, and rich instrumental textures. Emerging from Guingamp, France, the group presents a collection shaped by years of persistence, musical development, and a commitment to authentic expression. Combining the raw energy associated with 1990s rock with intimate, melancholic atmospheres, the album brings together the force of electric guitars and the emotional depth of carefully developed melodies.
At the heart of “Sands of Time” is the balance between grit and refinement. Crunchy guitar tones establish a vibrant alternative rock foundation, while intricate arrangements introduce layers of detail that give the music its distinctive character. The songwriting remains central throughout the record, allowing melodies to shine alongside the more energetic instrumental passages. Drawing from British indie rock and alternative pop, Santa Claws creates a sound that feels both familiar and personal. The album’s atmospheric qualities complement its energetic foundation, offering a musical experience that moves between driving rock intensity and reflective moments.
Sands of Time Album Track Reviews:
Gimme a Minute:
“Gimme a Minute” by Santa Claws opens with an electrifying rush of alternative rock energy, immediately establishing the vibrant musical character of the band’s album, “Sands of Time.” Driven by punchy drums and a throbbing bassline, the track maintains an energetic momentum that carries its powerful arrangement forward. The band’s signature three-guitar approach creates a rich instrumental landscape, combining crunchy Britpop chords, gritty alternative rock riffs, and soaring melodic lead fills. These layers give the song an expansive sound while preserving its raw, organic appeal. Grégory Aubert delivers the vocals with swagger and urgency, moving between rapid, conversational verses and an anthemic chorus. The backing harmonies amplify the hook, creating an immersive wall of sound that enhances the track’s spirited performance. Mastered to analog tape at Studio Kerwax, the production adds warmth and vintage character to the distorted guitars. “Gimme a Minute” makes a compelling opening statement, celebrating Santa Claws’ dynamic musicianship and melodic strength.
Two Days Ten Hours:
“Two Days Ten Hours” stands out as an ambitious centerpiece on Santa Claws’ album “Sands of Time,” showcasing the band’s ability to build immersive soundscapes through patience, atmosphere, and emotional intensity. The five-minute track opens with brooding restraint, as clean, chorused guitar lines intertwine with a steady bass motif to establish a reflective mood. Gradually, light acoustic strumming and subtle pedal-driven guitar textures enrich the arrangement, introducing new layers without disturbing its measured progression. As the song develops, the instrumentation rises toward an explosive mid-track instrumental passage, where heavy distortion transforms the atmosphere into a powerful wall of sound. This gradual shift gives the track a compelling sense of movement. The vocals follow a similarly expressive journey, beginning with an intimate, introspective delivery before rising into rasp-tinged phrases and soaring upper-register belts. Layered harmonies appear throughout the bridges, deepening the melancholic atmosphere. “Two Days Ten Hours” captures Santa Claws’ gift for balancing delicate reflection with expansive alternative rock intensity.
Surrender:
“Surrender” stands as the longest track on Santa Claws’ album “Sands of Time,” using its extended runtime to explore emotional vulnerability through dynamic alternative rock arrangements. The song’s defining feature is the intricate interplay between three electric guitars, each contributing a distinct texture. Clean arpeggios, delay-soaked ambient chords, and blues-tinged melodic phrases combine to create a spacious, layered sound. Beneath these guitar passages, expressive cymbal work and shifting bass lines guide the composition between restrained verses and thunderous, cathartic choruses. The vocal performance brings further emotional depth, beginning with delicate falsetto passages before building into powerful, strained belts during the climactic finale. Call-and-response exchanges between the lead vocalist and bandmates strengthen the communal quality of the arrangement, making the emotional release feel especially immersive. Each transition allows the instrumentation and vocals to develop naturally, balancing atmospheric subtlety with explosive intensity. With its rich textures and expressive progression, “Surrender” highlights Santa Claws’ ability to transform vulnerability into a captivating rock experience.
Grain of Sand:
“Grain of Sand” brings Santa Claws’ album “Sands of Time” to a contemplative close, capturing its central themes of time, persistence, and gradual change through a beautifully balanced alternative rock arrangement. Blending the energetic character of 1990s rock with melodic pop sensibilities, the track creates a reflective atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. A rolling bassline establishes the song’s gentle momentum, while warm acoustic guitars provide a resonant foundation. Above them, sparkling electric guitar leads enriched with delay add an airy quality, allowing each instrumental layer to complement the others naturally. The vocal performance carries a relaxed melodic grace, balancing quiet melancholy with a sense of enduring determination. Soft, layered backing harmonies enrich the refrain, creating a soothing chorus that gradually draws the listener deeper into the song’s reflective mood. The organic analog production preserves the natural warmth of the acoustic instrumentation, giving the arrangement remarkable depth. As a soaring guitar solo accompanies the gradual fade, “Grain of Sand” offers a graceful, emotionally resonant conclusion to the album.
The band’s expanded three-guitar arrangement adds another dimension to its musical identity. With Stéphane Kérihuel joining the established lineup, the group gains additional opportunities for layered harmonies, contrasting textures, and dynamic instrumental interplay. These elements contribute to the album’s full-bodied sound while preserving the organic character that defines the band’s approach. Greg Aubert’s lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards work alongside Antoine Montgaudon’s guitar work, arrangements, and backing vocals, supported by Teddy Moisan’s bass and backing vocals and Julien Pinel’s drumming. Together, the five musicians establish a cohesive sound that values both collective energy and melodic detail.
The production further strengthens the album’s identity. Created independently in the band’s own studio in La Chapelle-Neuve, the record was mixed in-house by Montgaudon and mastered to analog tape by Christophe Chavanon at the renowned Studio Kerwax. This process reflects Santa Claws’ dedication to craftsmanship and warm, natural sound. Their exclusive live-to-tape showcase at Kerwax extended that philosophy beyond the studio, celebrating the album through a performance that preserved the immediacy and emotional connection of live music.
Sands Of Time Is A Richly Atmospheric Alternative Rock Album Blending 90s Grit, Melodic Songwriting, Warm Analog Textures, And Emotional Depth Into A Timeless Musical Journey
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
Santa Claws’ journey began in 2017 with its debut album, “Life Is a Lie,” mixed by acclaimed producer Greg Gordon, whose credits include Oasis and Supergrass. Following lineup changes, pandemic-related interruptions, and years of renewed songwriting, the band steadily rebuilt its identity through live performances and singles including “She Turns,” “Grain of Sand,” “Gimme a Minute,” and “Rainy Day.” That experience culminates in “Sands of Time,” a mature expression of resilience, independence, and shared artistic vision. With echoes of The Beatles, Radiohead, Oasis, and Supergrass informing its melodic and sonic character, Santa Claws delivers a rewarding album that celebrates the enduring spirit of independent rock.
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