Merry and Misanthropic: Lauren Rismiller’s ‘MISTLETOE WON’T’ Is the Holiday Breakup Anthem We Didn’t Know We Needed
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Artist: Lauren Rismiller and the Indie Country Edge
Lauren Rismiller, representing the rising talent on Tennessee Rolling Hill Records, is quickly positioning herself as one of indie country music’s most compelling storytellers. While the mainstream is often defined by polished, radio-ready narratives, Rismiller has built her brand on unflinching emotional authenticity, blending traditional country honesty with a modern, sharp-edged sensibility. Her work reflects the “rolling hills” of Tennessee itself—beautiful, slightly rugged, and deeply rooted in real life.
With the release of her holiday EP, MISTLETOE WON’T, Rismiller proves her willingness to subvert expectation. At a time when the music charts overflow with romantic declarations and idealized Christmas imagery, Rismiller bravely chooses to celebrate the holiday season not with romance, but with the defiant, liberating spirit of a breakup. This EP is a crucial addition to her catalog, cementing her reputation as an artist unafraid to tackle complex, even uncomfortable, truths within an accessible country framework.
The EP: MISTLETOE WON’T (A Study in Festive Defiance)
The EP centers entirely on a single original track, presented in two distinct renditions. This decision allows for a comprehensive exploration of the song’s lyrical depth and emotional range, showcasing Rismiller’s versatility as a vocalist and the strength of her core writing. The premise—an upbeat breakup tune set against a backdrop of festive cheer—is immediately compelling, offering catharsis for anyone whose holiday season doesn’t involve a perfect romantic movie ending.
Track 1: “Mistletoe Won’t” (The Original Mix)
The lead track establishes the EP’s defiant tone instantly. Musically, it is a masterclass in juxtaposition. The arrangement utilizes subtle holiday bells and perhaps a bright, driving acoustic rhythm, but these elements are smartly placed beneath a fierce country-pop production layer. This isn’t a ballad; it’s a clap-back.
Lyrically, Rismiller is at her best, turning holiday tropes on their head. Instead of lamenting the loss of love, the song frames the breakup as a deliberate act of self-preservation before the obligation of the holidays hits. The chorus is built for singalongs, delivered with a vibrant, almost mischievous energy that belies the track’s subject matter. The “upbeat breakup tune” label is entirely accurate, replacing tears with determination. The production here is sharp, highlighting punchy percussion and a clean, forward vocal mix that positions Rismiller as the confident architect of her own future, not the heartbroken victim of circumstance. It’s a track that demands you turn it up in the car on the way to the family gathering, a private, joyous rebellion against required sentimentality.
Track 2: “Mistletoe Won’t” (The Acoustic Rendition)
The second track, a stripped-down rendition (likely Acoustic or Home Recording), reveals the exceptional craftsmanship of the original song. When the polished production is removed, the focus shifts entirely to Rismiller’s vocals and the narrative itself.
This version provides the emotional depth that the Original Mix intentionally sacrifices for energy. While the first track is the celebration of freedom, the acoustic version is the quiet, necessary moment of reflection. The change in tempo or rhythm—often slowing slightly—allows the lyrical nuances to breathe. We hear the subtle sting of lines that were previously masked by the driving beat. Rismiller’s vocal performance here is intimate, leaning into the raw, slightly vulnerable texture of her voice. The instrumentation—typically just a guitar or piano—frames her voice perfectly, proving that the song’s strength lies not in the holiday bells, but in the authentic, relatable human emotion at its core. It’s a powerful demonstration of why the song works: whether it’s a feel-good anthem or a moment of quiet strength, the message of choosing self over a toxic relationship endures.
Final Verdict
MISTLETOE WON’T is a small but mighty EP that makes a huge statement. Lauren Rismiller has skillfully exploited the contrast between holiday cheer and heartbreak to create something genuinely original. By offering both a high-energy, infectious version and a deeply intimate, resonant version of the same track, she provides listeners with a complete emotional experience. The EP doesn’t just ask us to accept that the holidays can be complicated; it encourages us to celebrate the self-worth found in saying no to toxic tradition. For those tired of the usual holiday saccharine, MISTLETOE WON’T is the perfect, spirited antidote.