Andy Gray

After the arctic blast this week that reminded us all what winter in northeast Ohio is like, the new Christmas release from The Vindys couldn’t be more timely.

Arriving Friday for streaming is the holiday track “Too Elfin’ Cold,” which is sure to capture the sentiments of everyone reaching for that comfy sweater or a warming drink as they contemplate bumping up the temperature on the thermostat.

The track may sound familiar to some Vindys’ fans. Lead singer Jackie Popovec played an acoustic version of it at the band’s pre-Christmas concert at Westside Bowl last December.

“I remember thinking about the horrible winter weather advisory we had, so I pulled that out of my bag,” she said.

That version had more of a country vibe, which was intentional.

“When I wrote the song, I wanted it to be a funny, cheeky story song, and I always think country music lends itself to being funny and punny,” she said. “It reminded me of those good old Western tunes that have ending lines that are so great.”

“Elfin'” wasn’t the word Popovec used to describe Mahoning Valley weather in the original lyrics when singing, “The Christmas lights outside sure do look nice / But it’s too elfin’ cold to go outside/ I’d love to go with you on a sleigh ride / but it’s too elfin’ cold to go outside.”

“I remember thinking we can’t release this as a single because of the swear words in it, but the boys said, ‘Just put elfin’ in there. It’ll be fine.’ It was actually a great idea,” she said.

“The boys” are guitar players John Anthony and Rick Deak, and that country-ish tune now kicks off with a big Rolling Stones-y guitar riff and a horn break provided by Garret Kuchaner, saxophone; Kyle O’Donnell, trumpet; and Brian Mayle, trombone. Also on the track are Nathan Anthony, keyboards; Brendan Burke, bass; and Owen Davis, drums.

The song was recorded with Gary Rhamy at Peppermint Recording Studio in Youngstown, where the band worked on its first album, “Keep Going.” Popovec’s history goes back even further. One of her first studio experiences was recording some demos of pop standards there when she was a teenager.

“It was exciting to go back in the studio with Gary Rhamy after all these years,” she said. “Being there at a young age, not knowing much about the recording studio and now being back there and having an opinion on things, knowing how special the mics are, how warm-sounding things are there. It really is a special place and a gem for Youngstown.”

Rhamy was just as complimentary about the band, and he said the sessions benefited from the band playing together live in the studio.

“The whole band, what professionals they are and what great musicians they are,” Rhamy said. “Having everybody performing in the studio at one time, having all the musicians playing in the studio, reacting and being inspired by what they’re hearing and also inspiring the other musicians by what they’re doing, that’s the way it’s done.”

Popovec said they decorated the studio to create a festive atmosphere, and they recorded the sessions for a video that will be released on YouTube to coincide with the release of “Too Elfin’ Cold” to all of the streaming services

“Too Elfin’ Cold” still will need a radio edit or two to get airplay, but the perfect blend of festive cheer and all-too-relatable humor should make it a seasonal favorite for holidays — and lake-effect weather events — for years to come.

The band also recorded at Peppermint its reworked version of “Bang,” which makes the song about Santa Claus, and a cover of “Silent Night” that Popovec described as inspired by soul singer Sharon Jones. Those songs won’t be posted to the streaming services, but the videos will be available on YouTube.

Fans might not have to wait too long for the band’s next full-length album. Popovec said the band’s focus will be on recording come January, and she’d like to have the record finished by late spring. However, the band still is deciding where it will make the album and who might be producing it.

“We played some great shows in the last year and our fans have supported us,” she said. “We have a little money and time to spend on a really good team, and we want to make sure we have the best team possible.”

Andy Gray is the entertainment editor of Ticket. Write to him at agray@tribtoday.com