Written by Kirk
I don’t find out about you, however I really like a great EP. Perhaps it’s my ADHD or the truth that I spend a lot time listening to music (severely, it’s a lot), however I get form of put out after I take heed to an album that has, like, one or two actually good songs and the remainder don’t measure up. A very good, tight, robust EP actually is a deal with, and it’s best to by no means overlook them. EVER.
2023 was most likely the primary yr shortly the place I didn’t come throughout lots of EPs. Between Bandcamp subscriptions, Noob Heavy opinions, and simply private purchasing preferences, I used to be drowning in albums however barely as much as my ankles in EPs. However these EPs merely blew me away, and I feel you’ll dig them, too:
Sluggish Wake — Managed Burn (Feb. 27)
I neglect precisely after I began following Argonauta Information, however they offer away a ton of codes and have a fairly nice lineup of bands if stoner rock, doom steel, and heavy psych are your factor (as they’re mine). A incredible little piece of stoner/doom that actually makes me sit up for listening to extra. Argonauta Information are actually amassing a wealth of nice stoner/doom bands, and Sluggish Wake is not any exception. This music actually dips into each sub-genres, too, opening and shutting with the sluggish and heavy whereas filling the center with some good stoner rock. This one will certainly take you locations.
Slain Thought — Acedia (Mar. 10)
This EP will completely and utterly warp your thoughts. The mix of doom, drone, industrial, post-metal, and noise rock comes collectively so organically that you just’ll end up questioning why nobody has ever mixed these types collectively in such a method earlier than. “Inform Me Why the Flowers Died” sounds just like the rating to essentially the most terrifying horror film ever made. “twenty fifth Lucid Hour of Begging” is complete SUNN O))) worship however one way or the other darker. And “Acedia (The Joyless Coronary heart)” is simply pure paranoid anguish. Leaps and bounds past the primary EP, this most up-to-date assortment of songs of nothing if not nigh perfection. If tapes are your factor, get one whilst you can.
Warwitch — Monument of Demise and Warfare (Apr. 20)
Blackened thrash wasn’t on my radar for 2023, however typically it’s the sudden gems which can be essentially the most rewarding. Exhausting to consider this can be a one-person mission, as a result of this EP goes about as onerous as you possibly can think about…after which goes just a bit bit more durable. It’s a type of issues that will get higher and higher every time you take heed to it. And if you happen to’re a tapehead like me, ensure you snag a replica on cassette whereas they final.
Chloe Dancer — The Hum of Everlasting Midnight (July 14)
One of many first Syrup Moose releases again in late 2022, Chloe Dancer supplied a darkish but delectable tackle blackgaze that was significantly heavy on the ambiance. I suppose having no vocalist will try this to a band, however that every one modified when everybody’s favourite vampyre, Espi Kvlt, joined their ranks and unleashed (un)holy hell throughout these 5 tracks. Seems the one factor Chloe Dancer was lacking was…effectively, Espi!
These subsequent two EPs had been additionally actually, actually good, however I didn’t fairly fall in love with them the identical method as these listed above:
This Summit Fever — Distraction Rituals (Apr. 28)
Should you’ve ever questioned what it will sound like if Scott Weiland fronted a stoner rock band, your quest is at an finish. This Summit Fever could also be a duo, however their sound is way, a lot larger. And whereas they could not have launched an album but, there’s lots to get pleasure from each right here and on their different releases. Excellent for that drive to the ocean or to pump you up earlier than you catch a number of waves.
Mothman and the Thunderbirds — Gazer (June 23)
I did a full evaluation of this EP again in June, which you’ll learn proper right here, so I’ll be temporary: I’ve but to stop being amazed on the sheer expertise that Alex Parkinson wields. The breadth of favor that he’s managed to cowl in such a brief time period with Mothman and the Thunderbirds is nothing wanting staggering, and this EP is simply one other feather in his cap. Plus he’s teasing us about one other album, so 2024 is certain to be a wild trip.
Should you managed to catch a number of of those kickass releases final yr, hell yeah! Cheers to you! And if not, I hope you add them to your wishlist or streaming queue (the place accessible). Simply promise me you gained’t cross up on any EPs in 2024; you is perhaps lacking out in your subsequent favourite report.
The put up Kirk’s High EPs of 2023 appeared first on Noob Heavy.