Netherlands-based pop-punkers After Elmer have been taking notes from their heroes. Many of the genre’s greats have made their mark with roaring, snarky holiday tracks. Notably, Fall Out Boy’s “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” shares several good qualities with After Elmer’s “Christmas Came Early (But Not In A Good Way).”

The single pokes fun at ambitious New Year’s resolutions; the idea that everything starts fresh on January 1st tends to leave more pressure than pleasure. After Elmer insinuates that more time is often necessary to get everything sorted.

Sonically, there are nods to bands like Green Day with the vocal delivery. The tonal quality of the lead vocal is just familiar enough without being overplayed. Similarly, the tight instrumental provides a modern take on pop-punk techniques, emphasizing a “live feel” to the recording despite evidently being produced via several different takes.

The music video is based on ‘The Office,’ nodding to the nostalgic forces behind the single. It also provides context, showcasing the band’s frustrations during the company Christmas party. After Elmer does a great job of enjoying the song while showcasing their musical prowess.