PEEL Releases Hauntingly Nostalgic Christmas Single “Santa Under the Streetlight”

Norwegian alternative rock band PEEL, known for their dark, melodic sound and emotionally charged songwriting, released a new holiday track, “Santa Under the Streetlight,” in November 2025. The band, fronted by singer, main songwriter, and lyricist Pim alongside guitarist, producer, and mixing engineer Seb, blends raw vocals, atmospheric guitars, synth textures, and driving rhythms into music that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Formed in the early 2000s, PEEL has built a loyal following with songs that explore human fragility and resilience. From early releases such as Breathe and Neverending to the critically acclaimed 2017 album Ghosts and Shadows, as well as classic singles like Natalie Somewhere and Like Sand, PEEL have consistently delivered emotionally resonant alternative rock. Recent tracks including “Love Phobia” (2024), Tears from the Sun (2025), and Modern Age Family Business (2025) continue this trajectory, and “Santa Under the Streetlight” is already catching attention. Their music has been described as “alternative rock that actually means something” (Beach House Mag), honest, haunting, and timeless.

“Santa Under the Streetlight” is not a typical Christmas song. As darkness falls and festive lights glow on the streets, the track captures the feeling of melancholic holiday pop. Pim explains:

“It’s about longing for the Christmas stored in your memory bank, your own version of how the holidays are supposed to feel. There is a lot of warm melancholy and nostalgia in both the music and the lyrics.”

The song also features Leif Ottesen, a well-known Norwegian cult guitarist who has played with artists such as Bjølsen Valsmølle, Trond Granlund, Doll Squad, and Henning Kvitnes. Speaking about the collaboration, Leif says:

“This is the coolest thing I’ve played on in years, Christmas song or not. I walked into a fully set table in the studio and got to play whatever guitars I wanted. This year people can forget about Prøysen, Jussi Björling, and definitely Mariah Carey. If you’re going to download one Christmas song this year, it should be this one.”

The result is a dark-shimmering, melodic track in true PEEL style. Honest lyrics, warm guitars, and a fragile undercurrent combine to capture the feeling of winter, memory, and longing. “Santa Under the Streetlight” is for anyone who knows that Christmas is more than glitter and gingerbread. It is about time, loss, and hope.

With this release, PEEL once again shows that their alternative rock is emotionally powerful and capable of turning familiar themes into something deeply moving.