Woozy, lo-fi ‘Free-Er Than Cat Power’ is the latest from New York garage rockers, SKATERS, as part of their Advent Calendar – a collection of demos released every day in the run-up to Christmas. “Free, I feel so free,” they sing (clearly referencing Cat Power's 2003 track 'Free'), which seems pretty appropriate now that they’ve broken with their label. This freedom means SKATERS are starting again from scratch with a more raw, DIY sound: the fuzzy, retro production, 60's toe-tapping beat and sweet, languid vocals call to mind the long stretching summers of youth, all dappled sunsets and rose-tinted memories. A lovely early Christmas gift. – EF