East London meets West coast pop/folk via Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. Sisters Coco and Holly blend simple-yet-oh-so-catchy melodies with striking harmonies. Discover ‘The Best Things In Life Are Free (Snowshine)’ by ‘Xylaroo’ the 11th February in Formula Indie

Sisters Coco & Holly blend simple-yet-oh-so-catchy melodies with striking harmonies and lyrics. The band got started in Maidstone, Kent in the mid-2000s but its roots and branches can also be traced to the places the girls grew up in and later lived: Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Philippines Sri Lanka and now east London.

Xylaroo found its feet in the Medway music scene doing gigs and open mics as a two-piece. The band soon caught the eyes of independent label Sunday Best records. They were signed by Sunday Best in 2015 and released their debut album “Sweetooth” in 2016.

The band still plays as a two piece arrangement but more often than not the sisters are now accompanied by guitarist Joe Singleton. For some performances the ensemble can swell to a five-piece arrangement with added drums and bass.

Their first album “Sweetooth” was met with rave reviews [p.] and Xylaroo’s songs have received radio play – as well as invites for interviews and acoustic sessions – by the likes of Dermot O’Leary (BB2), Steve Lamaq (BBC6), Edith Bowman (Virgin), John Kennedy (Xfm) and Clive Anderson (BBC 4)

Over the last few years the band has supported Mika, Frank Turner and Pup on tours around Europe. They have also supported Will Varley and Matt Berry and the Maypoles on UK tours and Meilyr Jones.

The band latest release is a single which shared the same name as their debut album, “Sweetooth”.

SONG INFO

‘The best things in life are free (Snowshine) released on spotify December 10.

Xylaroo’s Christmas jingle speaks to the heart of the festive season. Last year many people were separated from their families and friends due to the Covid pandemic. The experience may have made us all appreciate the free things in life which makes this holiday special, the laughter, love and relationships.

Band member and singer Holly Chant wrote the song a few years back on a plane. However, she decided to record it and produce it in her room last year as she was coming down with a bout of Covid. Guitarist Joe Singo sent his guitar parts remotely.

The song is classically Christmas with just the right amount of cheese to accompany your Gluwein this year.

Holly said: “I’m one of those people who loves old, retro Christmas songs. I was hoping to make a song that could sit comfortably beside the classics I grew up singing along to. I hope it reminds people of what’s important this time of year.”