#erthlings

Big, splashy albums from the year are always fun to go over. However, I think it’s just as important to acknowledge the shorter, oftentimes debut projects from artists both big and small that get released in a year as well. So here we have it, my favorite EPs of 2019 in no particular order.

Human by dodie: dodie’s gone done it again and whispered her way right into my heart. Delivering not only her signature vulnerable songwriting and delicate, bordering-on-fragile vocals, she also mixes it up by bringing in some guest features and upbeat moments. “Monster” shines atop of a plucky groove of glassy synths, and other production elements, like swelling strings on “She” and rushing, almost ocean-like undercurrent present on the fantastic title track “Human” make this EP a consistent but also highly atmospheric listen. Now when are we going to get an album?

My Top Track: Human ft. Tom Walker

Sanctuary by Aly & AJ: In a year where the Jonas Brothers made their comeback, I was waiting on the edge of my seat for the public to finally acknowledge the fact that Aly & AJ had been back for a while were crafting some of the catchiest, most addictive synth-pop under the sun. While that didn’t happen, we still have this glorious EP to enjoy. “Church” is the personal standout for me, adorned in sparkling vocal layering and a shimmering drop that feels like diving into an icy cool pool. The rest of the EP delivers catchy tracks accented with glistening production that catapults the project up into the galaxy. 

My Top Track: Church

Perception EP by Joy Crookes: Y’all want to know why I procrastinate these lists for so long? It’s because I’m afraid that I’m going to overlook gems that I’ll regret not covering in the following year. This snuck in right under the wire, I didn’t hear this until a week or so ago when Joy Crookes was featured in BBC’s Sound of 2020 longlist. But boy am I sure glad I found out about her, because Joy Crookes is one of my favorite new finds of the year. Her performances on this EP are so smooth and self-assured, supported by chill R&B instrumentals that will flow through your mind with absolute ease. Also, she’s the first artist to use “skrt” in a song and have it work for me.

My Top Track: Hurts

Indigo by Erthlings: My favorite up-and-coming girl group has finally released their debut project, and I couldn’t be happier! This EP is a sweet little taste of indie pop awash in hazy guitars and gentle vocals. That doesn’t mean it’s all sugar-fluff though, there’s a snappy bass groove on “Bridges” and some spooky synths on “Cuts and Bruises” that provide variety.

My Top Track: Returning

Wild Wild Woman by Your Smith: Your Smith has made it onto this list for two years in a row, and for good reason. She takes the boppability (is that a word? I don’t care,) of last year’s Bad Habit and boosts it with a feeling of breeziness and spontaneity that is so refreshing on the ears. There’s something about the sound of this EP that makes me want to roll down the window of a car and drive through a desert, it’s that easygoing and smooth. 

My Top Track: In Between Plans

chapter 2 by girl in red: Here we have another artist that has made the list two years in a row! This EP is varied, with girl in red moving into territory that gets more tender, (”watch you sleep.”) raunchy (”bad idea!”) or even joyfully absurd, (”dead girl in the pool.”) Despite this variety, this EP is held together though Marie Ulven’s down-to-earth performances that make this project feel relatable and all too real.

My Top Track: watch you sleep.

Some Place Else by MorMor: MorMor’s music makes me feel like I’ve drifted off into the ether, it is the epitome of dreaminess. The instrumental and vocals perfectly balance woozy lilting melodies and grounded elements, such as textured drums or deeper guitars. Put this EP on if you want to forget all of your troubles and let the world pass you by, it’s absolutely blissful. 

My Top Track: Outside

Friends by Omar Apollo: I decided to give this EP a listen at the recommendation of a YouTuber I watch, (Alfo Media, you can check out his Omar Apollo video here. I also discovered Faye Webster through him.) This EP features a wide scope of eclectic sounds, from disco funk to bedroom pop ballads. I can safely say that there is a song on here for everybody. I played “So Good” in the car for my family when driving one time and literally everybody was bopping.

My Top Track: So Good

Talk You Down by Nightly: I was clicking through Spotify and this band popped right out of nowhere, and I’m so glad that I came across their music. They’ve got a similar energy to bands like WALK THE MOON and St. Lucia, playing vibrant electronic pop rock that puts you in a good mood. This EP is a sweet little slice of summery fun that will brighten your day in an instant.

My Top Track: Say Anything Else

you ruined new york city for me by FLETCHER: This EP saw a change in direction for FLETCHER’s sound, turning from the organic textures and dizzy-in-love sweetness of her Finding Fletcher EP (which I adore, by the way,) and moving into a moodier, more mature vibe. The best part of this EP, hands down, is FLETCHER’s performances. They’re so impassioned and effortless as they careen through the tales of heartbreak, she sells every song with her vocals. Also, “Undrunk” made it onto the Hot 100? I’m so proud!

My Top Track: All Love

Junk by Carlie Hanson: Ever since I fell in love with Carlie Hanson’s splash hit “Only One” early last year, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a debut project from her. After a slew of singles since then, Hanson returned with an EP that is a focused flurry of fresh sounding pop. Fun elements include the beat-boxing on the opening track “Bored with You” and the electric guitar that kicks the ever-addictive “Back in My Arms” into gear. I can’t wait to see what she brings to a longer project in the future.

My Top Track: Back In My Arms

Flashbacks & Fantasies by Ralph: How lucky are we that Ralph gave us an EP so quickly after her album? We truly aren’t worthy. This project is stuffed with fun, glittery pop hooks that’ll get you grooving in no time. Songs on this project range from hypnotic indie pop bops to dancefloor bangers that feel ripped right out of the 80s. 

My Top Track: No Muss No Fuss

Deadbeats by Willa: What a comeback this turned out to be! Willa’s turn to bright, fluorescent pop has been an absolute joy, featuring some of the catchiest hooks of the year. “Cause You Did” made it onto my favorite songs of the year list last year, and it still holds up. “Deadbeats” is one of my favorite pop songs of the year, the chorus is absolutely euphoric. Also, check out her Twitter and the thread she made of all the colors and textures she associates with each songs, she’s synesthetic so it’s really interesting to look through.

 My Top Track: Deadbeats

Delicately graceful, ethereally willowy indie enchantment seems to be the standard when it comes to Sydney’s Erthlings, who despite their name, almost feel like they’re not off this earth when they cast their spells on us with their dreamy indie rock and twiggy guitar pop. Now, just over a year after Erthlings made an everlasting imprint with their sublime first single Bridges, debut EP Indigo is out. The five song collection includes breakout hits Bridges and Cuts & Bruises, as well we three fine new tracks like supple aching new single Returning, wistful curling Cloud Nine, and softly swirling Go Ahead. Indigo is a swirling representation of the four-piece’s ability to pivot from ethereal pop to alt-indie with nuanced ease. Each track is built on a foundation of attitude, strength, and empowerment, then infused with their maturity as established on earlier releases. Indigo, which is out on Future Classic, can be streamed and purchased, here.

I'm in the dark show a little loving shine a little light on me 

night music 

if I'm already out of time then make it worse go on and hit me in the heart hit me where it hurts

can I go where you go? can we always be this close forever and ever?