Well, I just posted my top 10 albums and included one EP. After publishing that post, I realized that I totally neglected the amount of amazing singles/EP’s that 2013 has produced. So I’m just going to dive right in. Here they are, my top 5 EP’s of 2013.
5) CHVRCHES – Recover EP
CHVRCHES exploded on to the synthpop scene with the release of their Recover EP in early 2013. What drew me to this group is the excellent production, catchy melodies, and the timbre of vocalist Lauren Mayberry. Her high-pitched vocals are complimented by the catchy synth lines and textures that are masterfully programmed into the songs. I also got the chance to see them live this year, and was not let down. The light show fit perfectly with the music. The only complaint I had was that Lauren’s stage presence wasn’t that spectacular, but that’s to expect from a new band. Overall, I’m really impressed by this group and I’m excited to see where they go.
Check out the title track for their EP:
4) Touché Amoré/Pianos Become the Teeth – Split EP
Earlier this year, screamo giants Touché Amoré and Pianos Become the Teeth released a ridiculously good split EP. The EP is only two songs, one from each band, but each song is equally as powerful. Pianos Become the Teeth’s contribution, “Hiding,” is unlike anything they’ve released before. While PBtT are known for intense, emotional songs, they toned it down for this split. The track cuts back on the rough vocals and emphasizes cleaner vocals. It’s still easy to hear the incredible emotion conveyed throughout the track, but it’s in a more melancholic sense. Regardless, the track is a quality release
Touché Amoré’s contribution, “Gravity, Metaphorically,” is also unlike their previous music. While previously having only one song exceeding two minutes, this song is an incredible four minute emotional roller coaster. The song begins like a typical hardcore song, but evolves into something that’s a mix of post-rock and screamo.
Listen to Pianos Become the Teeth’s contribution:
3) Whirr – Around
Modern shoegaze giants, Whirr, released an EP earlier this year and it’s phenomenal. Whirr has perfected the shoegaze sound by dousing their songs in the perfect amounts of reverb and fuzz. The somewhat muddied instrumentals are complimented by a female vocal texture that pierces through the foggy guitars.
Check out the title track for Around:
2) Burial – Rival Dealer
UK Garage giant, Burial, surprisingly dropped an EP earlier in December. Burial’s been pretty quiet since the release of his last LP, Untrue, but has sporadically teased fans with EP’s containing two or three 10-minute masterpieces. Rival Dealers is some of Burial’s best work yet. Burial’s penchant for vocal sampling shines through in the title track. The other tracks show off Burial’s percussion sequencing and the grainy, gritty sound that defines him.
Check out Rival Dealer:
1) Hop Along – Sister Cities
Falling in love with alt-folk band Hop Along was not a difficult task for me at all. Their 2012 release Get Disowned has gone down as one of my all-time favorite records. While Sister Cities is just a single, it’s the only taste of new Hop Along music that we got in 2013. Hop Along’s story-telling lyrics mixed with vocalist Frances Quinlan’s vocal talent makes for one hell of a listening experience.
Ryan and Jon Do Music 