The shorter records which stood out in 2024
What separates an EP from an LP? This is the perennial question with albums often getting shorter in length and some EPs running to album length. To complicate matters, there were other formats on offer this year, such as mixtapes and mini albums.
To simplify matters, anything not an album was thrown into the mix for this list, which I have compiled with 5-9 writer Gemma Cockrell. On the face of it, the EP game didn't seem as strong as in 2023, when Softcult's See You in the Dark narrowly beat Gretel Hänlyn's Head of the Love Club for the inaugural EP of the Year prize. Looking back, however, there are 18 very strong records we have included in the list - stronger even than last year, all of which are worth a listen. So let's dive in...
Belmondo - The Blessed and the Evil
Andrew Belt: Fizzing with energy, this debut EP from the Brighton-based band showcased their slightly unsettling brand of goth-rock with plenty of strong riffs and relatable themes furnished with dramatic prose. Sadly, the last we've heard of the band is them declaring they are no more in September. Let's hope they find a way back to making good music in future.
Night Swimming - No Place to Land
Gemma Cockrell: No Place To Land is a dreamy, atmospheric EP, weaving together synth-pop and ambient elements. Night Swimming create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape, perfect for reflective listening.
Fräulein - Sink or Swim
AB: After regular single and EP releases over the past few years, Northern Irish/Dutch duo Fräulein took the plunge with a 'mini-album' in June, consisting of seven fully formed songs and three interludes. Given the opportunity to spread their wings on this format, they bookended the recorded with an acoustic and non-acoustic version of the same song and filled the rest with what they do best - grunge-soaked bangers. Sadly, they began the new year with news that they are ending the band, adding cruel irony to the title of their final and most expansive project.
Hutch - Smile and Wave
AB: Jangly psych-rock full of good cheer summed up the debut EP from the Brighton band. A solid record four songs strong, the signs for the future seem positive.
The Boxer Rebellion - Open Arms
AB: The revered London-based band returned with four songs big on heart and carefully arranged. Opener 'Powdered Sugar' is the musical equivalent of getting fresh air and the rest of the EP is earnest and well-meaning with 'A Man As Alive as the City' going the whole hog with its drama as the standout track.
Little Simz - Drop 7
AB: Responsible for two of the best albums of the 2020s in Sometimes I Might Be Introverted and NO THANK YOU, Drop 7 is the sound of an artist letting loose and experimenting outside of the album cycle. Taking on different genres such as samba music, hyper-pop and even a sung pop song, the results are varied, with the project finding its greatest rewards in the electro-rap of 'Mood Swings' and stripped back 'Far Away'.
Softcult - Heaven
AB: Having produced 5-9's favourite EP of 2023, which had me speculating that a debut album would be the next move for the Canadian duo, an EP release was a surprise but one I relished. Ultimately falling short of the great heights of See You in the Dark, taking on a more introverted shoegaze route from the directness and immediacy of that last EP, there was enough here to admire to maintain the momentum they are building. Surely it's the debut album next?!
Mei Semones - Kabutomushi
AB: The sophomore EP from the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and guitarist melds acoustic and electric guitar, drums and violin to stunning effect as she combines English and Japanese lyrics across each of the five enchanting songs on Kabutomushi.
Full 5-9 review: REVIEW ROUND-UP: Maximilian, Quiet Car, Feeder and Mei Semones
KAP - Still the Girl
GC: This project combines KAP's confident vocals and style with the polished production of Project Zeus, creating an effortlessly captivating listen. KAP's self-assured energy makes up the EP's core essence, as her vocals and artistry shine throughout, delivering one of 2024's most memorable releases.
Sunflower Bean - Shake
AB: Embracing hedonism, the New York band let Julia Cumming for the most part take centre stage and vocalise her carnal desires and longing as Royal Blood-style riffs drive the five songs forward.
Sunday (1994) - Sunday (1994)
GC: Sunday (1994) delivers a nostalgic, lo-fi vibe, mixing mellow beats with soothing vocals. This EP feels like a relaxed escape, perfectly capturing the essence of laid-back Sundays – the band’s very namesake.
JayaHadaDream - Redemption Songs
GC: A powerful EP that blends hip-hop and soulful beats with socially conscious lyrics, Jaya’s verses speak to resilience, empowerment, and the struggles of marginalised communities. Her storytelling is honest and urgent, adding depth to her uplifting, reflective rhythms.
ROMderful - istheskythelimit?
AB: Learning of ROMderful after he collaborated with fellow Birmingham-native SIPHO., discovering his music has been one of the finds of 2024. Releasing an EP each month from April, there was plenty to dive into and this typically brief effort was held together by refreshing drum 'n' bass, as well as ROMderful's positive lyrics, making for a collection of songs I returned to again and again.
Bombay Bicycle Club - Fantasies
AB: Collaborating with a different female vocalist for each of the four songs, their impact on this highly eclectic and enjoyable EP is strangely limited. Backing singer roles are established for Matilda Mann, Lucy Rose and Rae Morris, with only Liz Lawrence burnishing her reputation for a star turn on 'Blindfold'. This aside the four songs are wonderfully inventive and effervescent, continuing the band's reflection of their ear for a tune.
Bon Iver - SABLE,
AB: Justin Vernon (AKA Bon Iver) going back to his roots is every bit as good as you'd imagine and this late 2024 release really hit the spot with its sparse instrumentation allowing Vernon's vocals to take centre stage and hit you in the feels. The only downside being that there are only three tracks of note shared from this project. Please: more!
Chrissy Costanza - VII
GC: VII showcases Chrissy Costanza’s powerful vocals and emotional depth, blending pop-rock influences with her own unique flair. Each track is packed with intensity, revealing vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.
ROMderful - NeverBeenTheSame.
AB: The second ROMderful entry on the list and my favourite EP of 2024, NeverBeenTheSame. includes the collaboration with SIPHO. and is ROMderful's foray into rock. Musing on relationships with some sound advice and reflections, the tracks are perky in the vein of NERD, before 'Never Alive' with SIPHO. breaks out into an epic headbanger with the singer crying out about 'feasting on my pride like I was never alive'. Brief, thrilling and crazily catchy, this EP is a lot of fun!
Kaeto - Intro
GC: Intro is a bold debut, mixing smooth beats with Kaeto’s expressive flow and lyrical depth. It feels fresh and innovative, giving listeners a taste of her versatile musical style.
Full 5-9 review: MIXTAPE REVIEW: Kaeto - Intro
Comments