Top 10 EPs of 2024
As we have seen, 2024 has been a mega year for new albums with Hayden Thorpeâs Ness being named as my Album of the Year just a week or so ago. You can read why I was such a fan of that record along with my other Top 50 album picks, as well as find a playlist of my 100 favourite songs from this year, by scrolling below or simply flicking through the New Music Central archives for December.
However, as many great longplayers as we received in 2024, there was an equal abundance of great shortplayers too. In todayâs hectic world where the demand for âsnackableâ (shout out Andrew Belt) content has risen, the humble Extended Play has seen a big resurgence in recent times.
So, Iâve looked back over the last 12 months and picked out my ten favourites of the year. As always, Iâve gone for an eclectic selection that pulls from various genres - so, depending on your taste, hopefully youâll find something to enjoy on this list.
Honourable Mentions:
Blessed by August Charles
Sable by Bon Iver
Arable Ground by Dura Mater
Heartbreak Town by GIRLBAND!
Tunes For Late Spring by Gus Dapperton
Work In Progress by Holly Humberstone
Neptunes by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith & Joe Goddard
Nothing Much To Say by Katie Keddie
Drop 7 by Little Simz
Marietta by Medium Build
Here we go then, my Top 10 EPs of 2024âŚ
10. Incommunicado by Express Office Portico
A bittersweet release this from the end of March, as Notts indie-pop outfit Express Office Portico finally released their debut EP. However, the release of the project also coincided with the news that lead singer Tara would be stepping down from the band, throwing the bandâs entire future into question.
A huge loss who leaves big shoes to fill, Incommunicado manages to work as both a final chapter for the band at this stage, as well as an insight into their flourishing potential should they continue. Featuring five catchy and shimmering indie-pop grooves, its highlighted by No One, In Swim and excellent single He Said She Said.
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9. Fantasies by Bombay Bicycle Club
A band that just donât seem to miss, indie-heroes Bombay Bicycle Club followed up their much-acclaimed sixth album, 2023âs My Big Day, with this fantastic four-track EP back in February.
Very much keeping the collaborative spirit of My Big Day alive, each track features a female guest vocalist to compliment Jack Steadmanâs signature vocals, with the wonderful Matlida Mann, Liz Lawrence, Lucy Rose and Rae Morris all appearing on a track each here. My personal favourite is Better Now with Rae Morris (which made my year-end playlist), however if youâre a big Bombay fan like me, then youâre sure to enjoy this short-but-sweet companion piece to 2023âs My Big Day.
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8. BAMBI by Aziya
Having discovered her off of brilliantly infectious 2023 single, Atomic, I tried twice to catch this innovative multi-instrumentalist and producer live in 2024, but failed to see Aziya both times at Dot to Dot and Lost Village respectively.
While I still wait to tick her off my list of artists to have seen live, her debut project BAMBI gave an idea of this 21-year-oldâs huge potential. An album-sized EP at 10 tracks long, with each of the six main cuts interspersed with some voicemail-style interludes, itâs a fascinating debut that sees Aziya frequently deliver genre-bending blends of catchy pop hooks and grunge-style rock guitars. Still only 18 minutes in length, itâs an endlessly replayable listen highlighted by singles partyâs over and crush (tom verlaine).
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7. A Guilty Heart Can Never Rest by LĂĽpsley
Extremely talented, York-born singer, songwriter, musician and producer Holly Lapsley Fletcher, better known by her stage name LĂĽpsley, had a very busy 2024. However, despite a wave of great singles released throughout the year, it was her latest EP, which dropped back in May, that kept me coming back for the most repeat spins.
Essentially a more âsnackableâ version of everything that has made her three albums such a pleasure to experience so far, A Guilty Heart Can Never Rest sees LĂĽpsley build her own sonic world out of intriguing ambient electronica and experimental pop flourishes. From scintillating opener 4AM Ascension Day, hypnotic synth-driven highlights Kerosene Dreams and Angeles, to the dramatic, Radiohead-esque closer Build A Man, it continues LĂĽpsleyâs run of always unique and interesting releases.
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6. Redemption Songs by Jayahadadream & Zoutr
As you can see from my honourable mentions on this list alone, thereâs been a bucket load of great releases from some of Nottinghamâs best rising stars this year, with these next three picks my favourites from the bunch. Possibly the biggest of those released this year was this debut EP from Jayahadadream, coming fresh off the back of her victory in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition over the summer.
For those new to Jayaâs music, Redemption Songs is the perfect introduction to her incredible talent. Seeing her team up with equally talented Notts producer Zoutr for the project, it showcases Jayaâs breathtakingly nuanced flow and flair for engaging storytelling. From singles Twiggy and Stubborn, through to the intimately ambient Ur In Love and the glistening guitars of the title track, itâs a dazzling 20-minute listening experience.
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5. Maid Marian Way by LYVIA
However, another Notts superstar worth checking out is soulful pop sensation LYVIA, who also released her debut shortplayer this year. The EP takes its name from a road running through Notts where LYVIA can often be found recording her viral videos for social media. Now taking the energy of those raw takes to the studio, Maid Marian Way showcases her unique blend of pop melodies, spoken word rap and R&B swagger, with plenty of heart and relatable experiences in the lyrics too.
Every song here is a highlight as well, from the spellbinding and piano-laden opener Barriers, the infectious groove of Rock With Me, through to the stripped-back and sincere Homesick. This project is LYVIA demonstrating her immense talent and commercial appeal at full force, and I personally canât wait to see what she does next.
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4. Idiot by Bored Marsh
From lockdown hobby to one of Nottinghamâs best bands - rock outfit Bored Marsh also finally released their debut EP in 2024, and it fully lived up to the high expectations they have set over the last few years with their thrilling live performances. Filled with hypnotic, dark and spiralling guitar passages, as well as big, anthemic choruses, the Idiot EP delivers the bandâs mission statement in typically epic fashion. From one of the yearâs standout singles in Alright, OK! to live favourite Honest Dayâs Work, itâs a fantastic first outing.
Here is what I said in my CLASH review back in September:
âEverything that has gotten Bored Marsh attention so far is laid out tightly on this EP. From Joe Needâs passionate vocals to the dynamic and stylistically varied guitars, the appeal of Bored Marshâs sound is evidently clear from this first collection. Reflected in Broadmarshâs recent rejuvenation, Bored Marsh have ascended from the bleakness of lockdown to present the confident and assured band found playing on this EP. While the music itself often remains dwelling in the darkness, the hopefulness is carried in their massive, soon to be realised, potential.â
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Read the full review for Clash here
3. Fifteen Minutes With Spielmann by Spielmann
From Nottingham to Leeds now, another UK city that has had a tremendous 2024 thanks to artists such as English Teacher, Yard Act and Nia Archives. However, another artist that quietly caught my attention is songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Lewis, AKA Spielmann, who I discovered through Dot to Dot a few years back and finally saw live earlier this year at Get Together in Sheffield.
Well worth fifteen short minutes of your time, Spielmannâs latest EP is bursting with joyful splendour, boasting big stadium-sized choruses, witty lyrics and shimmering synths. The mantra may be admittedly a familiar one at times, but that doesnât make it any less fun, as Lewisâ unique way with words always keeps it fresh too.
Described by himself as âHarry Styles for 6Music Dadsâ, youâll also find shades of Bruce Springsteen and Brandon Flowers on highlights 10,000 Hours and Under The Weather.
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2. Lagos Paris London by Yannis & The Yaw
In lieu of a new Foals record in 2024, frontman Yannis Philippakis kept us fans well fed by finally releasing his long awaited first solo project this year, and itâs ended up my runner-up here.
A dazzling, collaborative five track EP featuring the late-great Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, itâs a project as vibrant and sonically adventurous as the globe-trotting title would suggest. While Yannis brings his signature guitar grooves to the table, some soaring string arrangements, jazz-like horns and Allenâs Afrobeat-style drums ensure the project always has a different feel to anything under the Foals banner.
Whilst the whole EP is well worth 20 minutes of your time, it is Rain Canât Reach Us and Clementine that particularly stand out for me. Both featuring Yannisâ jittery riffs but with a good measure of worldly sonic influence from the other members of The Yaw, it showcases the rich, audio delights we can come to expect from Yannisâ solo venture, should he return for another helping in the future.
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1. Time Is Forever by Holly Macve
So here we are then, my favourite EP of the year â Time Is Forever by Galway-born singer-songwriter, Holly Macve.
There is quite simply nothing better than a perfect shortplayer, one that isnât too long and where every song is as outstanding as the last. Iâm pleased to say that Time Is Forever is that EP. While Macve also released her gorgeous third studio album Wonderland in 2024, this EP is essentially the bitesize version of that full length project, with the shortened tracklist and runtime allowing these songs to have a punchier and more profound effect.
Self-described as a series of âdiary entriesâ, it is Holly laying bare her inner thoughts and feelings across five exceptionally honest and majestic tracks. From the waltzing liberation of Beauty Queen to the gut-punch heartbreak of Dreamer, to the beautifully understated, Lana Del Rey-featuring piano ballad Surburban House, it is just effortlessly stunning at every turn. However, Holly saves the best two moments for last, thanks to the hazy soulfulness of the EPâs brilliant title track, which is then followed by the gorgeous, hopeful Americana of 1995.
If youâre a Lana Del Rey fan and havenât heard this EP yet, do not sleep on it â not just for the Lana feature itself, but because Holly frequently echoes the pop icon at her intoxicatingly timeless best. Beautiful and brilliant, it was easily my standout shortplayer of 2024.
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Stay tuned for the final part of my 2024 year-end lists â featuring my favourite gigs of the year!
