Effusion 35 is the wild, unfiltered brainchild of singer–songwriter Pat Manley—an artist who thrives on bending genres just to see what shape they take next. The band’s evolution took a sharp, exciting turn when the ever-versatile Joe Napoleon (October Sun; Salmonberry; Dan, Dan the Drywall Man) traded in his drumsticks for a guitar pick. His shift to second guitarist injected the group with a fresh surge of creativity: off-kilter lead lines, avant-garde influences, and a fearless approach to melody that expanded Effusion 35’s sonic universe. That transformation became complete in September 2001, when Manley recruited veteran drummer Randy Robbins (Krypton Daisy; The Deweys; The Antarctic Wasteland Jugband). Robbins’ arrival didn’t just fill a role—it recalibrated the entire band. His towering, thunderous backbeat grounded their sound while his contributions as a lyricist and songwriter added new dimension and depth. With Napoleon unleashed on guitar and Robbins anchoring the rhythm section, Effusion 35 evolved from a power trio into a kinetic, full-throttle quartet. And on November 17th, that electrified energy culminated in the release of their newest track, “Rockin’ Coal in My Stocking.”

Let me walk you through it. It’s an aural sunrise: the song bursts open with a riot of vibrant, colorful instrumentation. That initial, energetic rush is a shot of pure sonic adrenaline, instantly seizing your attention and mapping out the thrilling journey ahead.

Songwriter Pat Manley set out to add a much-needed darker spin on the Christmas standard formula. As Manley explains, “There’s a bit of a contract associated with celebrating Christmas and not many songs from the perspective of those who don’t celebrate.” The result is a track written about the ‘naughty list’ perspective—someone who loves the holiday but “just can’t be good long enough to enjoy the rewards.”

Over the years the band has managed to leave its indelible stain on pop culture opening for such well-known acts such as Helmet, Sponge, and Band of Skulls, as well as with their full length studio albums, Stonewind (2008), Eviction (2025), EPs in 2010 and 2014, and a slew of singles and soundtrack collaborations in feature films (Leaving Virginville) and documentaries (Bazaar of All Nations; Wages of Spin II).In 2019, the band played an epic, professionally filmed, career-spanning 20th Anniversary show at Bourbon and Branch in Philadelphia with special guests, alternating era-specific lineup changes, and downright good-natured band-to-fan camaraderie.

For all the “naughty people” and those who perpetually miss Santa’s “good list,” the relief is palpable. Effusion 35 has delivered a dream song—a genuine anthem that finally confirms you can embrace the Christmas spirit, even if your stocking is stuffed with coal. This track is instant holiday canon, and I fully intend on blasting it throughout the entire season. Do yourself a favor and immediately add “Rockin’ Coal In My Stocking” to all your Christmas playlists. The band’s talent is undeniable, and I eagerly anticipate what they deliver next.

Stream “Rockin’ Coal In My Stocking” on Spotify

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