5 Of My Favourite EPs From 2020

5 Of My Favourite EPs From 2020

Despite the unprecedented challenges that 2020 has brought upon music, I have been incredibly inspired by the continued efforts of musicians and the entire industry. Those who have dedicated so much of themselves to creating. Doing all that they can to bring joy, in the darkest of times.

To celebrate their unwavering determination, I am so pleased to share with you, a list of 5 of my favourite EPs from this year.


Rosehip Teahouse ‘Chillin in the Void’ 

Wrapped in serenity and sweetness, Rosehip Teahouse’s first EP of 2020 quite literally transports its listeners away to another realm. From the softest twinkles of synths, to dreamy lullaby vocals from lead singer Faye Rogers. ‘Chillin in the Void’ is a completely mesmerising offering from the Cardiff-quintet. In tune with both music and emotion, Rosehip Teahouse infuse gentle instruments against tender lyrics. Enabling them to create a blend of indie-pop, that is poignant, but oh so pleasant. Yet, if one EP wasn’t enough, swiftly following ‘Chillin in the Void’ was latest EP ‘Fine’, another gorgeous slice of music goodness from Rosehip Teahouse.

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Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard ‘The Non-Stop EP’ 

Bursting with all of the brilliant enthusiasm and flamboyance that we have grown to expect from Cardiff’s Buzzzard Buzzard Buzzard. ‘The Non-Stop EP’ is home to seventies power struts and a cool retro vibe. Certainly a delight to discover during a rather desolate year. Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have a keen sense of embracing music from the past, but ensure they bring it bang up to date, with their own unique twist. Dancing with modern-day politics and an unabashed jest. We groove from the fun Double Denim Hop to the satirical quips of Hollywood Actors. With ‘The Non Stop EP’ catapulting this rising band headfirst into the spotlight. 

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Lindsay Munroe ‘Our Heaviness’ 

Hauntingly beautiful, Manchester musician Lindsay Munroe entrances through debut EP ‘Our Heaviness’. Set against the backdrop of a rigid religious past, Munroe bestows her anguish in gorgeous confession. Pairing eerily muted vocals with a beguiling soundscape, ‘Our Heaviness’ is an EP bearing tracks that latch onto their listeners, and resonate within our very core. With Munroe evoking such a bold honesty, her music is profoundly moving, particularly the track Split. There is a captivating literary-feel present throughout her songwriting, that implores us to pry deeper into her inner-psyche. Proving that Munroe is not only a wonderful musician, but a fascinating muse. 

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Talk Show ‘These People’

London-based Talk Show have been acquiring a stirring buzz around their music for some time now. From a reputation for fearsomely frantic live shows, to brooding new single releases. 2020 saw the band present their highly anticipated EP ‘These People’. Boasting brash anger and unwavering lyricism, ‘These People’ is in full grasp of its gritty sound. Frontman Harrison Swann, an intoxicating enigma, standing centre stage among a band who channel all of their energy into these fast-paced, unforgettable anthems – look no further than Petrol Head, if you need clarification. Dominating a sinister charm, Talk Show rouse an indescribable impulse, dragging listeners kicking and screaming toward their addictively fierce new breed of punk. 

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Phoebe Green ‘I Can’t Cry For You’ 

Bittersweet and bold, Phoebe Green portrays the delirious intimacies of a corroding relationship on latest EP ‘I Can’t Cry For You’. Taking the listener on a hypnotic thrill ride, Green rebounds from the hard-driven indie of Golden Girl, to the distorted psychedelia in Grit. Unhinging senses and pushing the boundaries of every comfort zone, on her lyrically bruising but brilliant EP. Awakening a new persona, Green glows with flame-orange hair and a witty humour. As ‘I Can’t Cry For You’ bares a musician not afraid to toy with our inner-most thoughts and feelings.

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World News Release Single ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ Ahead of Debut EP

World News Release Single ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ Ahead of Debut EP

Living, rehearsing and recording amidst Tottenham’s bustling warehouse community. Musical-outlet World News have clear intentions of becoming an indie band on the rise. With latest single ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ pairing hooking basslines to rhythmic jangled guitars. Low-pitched vocal purrs provide the final ingredient, to create a sound that is blisteringly direct. 

There is no denying that this band know exactly what they want, and there is a sense of certainty that they will soon achieve it. With such a bold style rooted to their music. We can feel the soul of its very core. Notes of nostalgia hum from lead vocalist Alex Evans, particularly in the subtle understatement to his voice, remnant of years gone by. While smooth basslines glide in close comparison to The National. Faster-paced segments hone the slightly unhinged approach of main inspiration, Squid. With just enough lo-fi distortion creating character, World News may have a sound that is direct, but it is far from monotonous. 

Subtle tempo changes and moving rhythmic pitches, allow the track means of flow and direction. Matching in tempo, to its lyrics. Written during the breakdown of a relationship, ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ explores peaks and troughs of anxieties as they bubble away, whilst coincidingly battling painstaking doubt, and a reckless abandonment of one’s own self. Yet all the while, remaining eerily grounded. As the music flows, so do thoughts, feelings and emotions. Brushing against the grind of daily life. The bass rumbles on like the rattle of the underground tube, vocals simmer like the swirls of fumes that clog the air. Condensed in sound, as though packed into the claustrophobic warehouse confinements. Lyrics are brought to life by their music. 

It is these pops of sheer genius, that set World News apart from anyone else. Runaway brooding segments, in which the bass takes over and rampages throughout the track, like an emotional train wreck. Vocal drones that demand attention, like a jilted lover needing to be heard. World News are taking control of their sound and style with brilliant assurance. As Debut EP ‘Job and Money’ is set for release on 18th September. Dominating the indie genre, is surely next on their agenda. 

‘Lend Me Your Brain’ is available to stream on Soundcloud now

Streaming on Spotify from 18th September, along with their Debut EP ‘Job and Money’

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Matt Maltese Releases Madhouse EP

Matt Maltese Releases Madhouse EP

Exuding intoxicating charm, woozy emotion, and a dose of witty humour. Be prepared to swoon over latest EP Madhouse from Matt Maltese. Dreary everyday notions and nostalgic thoughts combine to create the most exquisite music, when paired with the sombre song-writing capabilities of this enchanting musician. Oozing an array of delectably smooth tracks, Madhouse hones notes of jazz, indie and Maltese’s classic bedroom DIY style.

From the dizzying romantic highs of Queen Bee to the agonising lows of Sad Dream. Maltese remains the reigning king of hearts, and if this recent vocal rendezvous is anything to go by, his reign is unlikely to end anytime soon. With eclectic yearn, Madhouse culminates to linger amongst late-night lovers and that sultry summer moonlight.

Breathing a new lease of life into music reminiscent of the past. Maltese’s modern musings schmooze against slinky piano keys and lo-fi tones, with fizzes of seventies pop for good measure. Vocals are crisp and effortless, and from a purposefully lounging lacklustre delivery emerges nothing shy of perfection, within these soft yet stirring songs. Met with the warmth of backing vocals from Asha Lorenz (Sorry) and guitars by Brian D’Addario (The Lemon Twigs).

Madhouse is available to stream and purchase now

Follow Matt Maltese

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GILLIE Releases Debut EP Open Up, Honey

GILLIE Releases Debut EP Open Up, Honey

To bottle an emotion, is to capture a moment. Holding on to a feeling, entwines memories within it.

Through Debut EP Open Up, Honey. GILLIE is completely in tune with her emotion.

Each song is a delicate glass jar. The contents of which are raw and sweet, yet a sharpness exists.

Pairing rich, earthy vocals with sweeping guitar sounds. GILLIE bares her soul through the most beautiful indie-folk music.

I had the overwhelming joy of premiering first track Winter Girl ahead of the release of Open Up, Honey. Engulfed with a love of GILLIE’s unwavering lyrics and gorgeous vocals. Her ability to expose such intense feeling is awe-inspiring.

Winter Girl resides as a song for growth. Recognising a difference in ones-self is a moment of freedom, yet with that freedom also exists a harsh undertone of deprecation. Past mistakes, doubts over your own identity, and cutting truths can rise to the surface. Winter Girl truly struck a chord with me. As Gillie admits to those bleak moments that often never meet the eyes of others, through her music.

For the EPs next track, Hear You Say, verses build to an intense chorus. Vocals rise to crescendo. Calmness breaks into a storm to be reckoned with, as GILLIE’s lyrical admissions deepen. Guitars pulse through the track like a heartbeat, and we feel our skin flush and emotions pivot from such raw honesty. Wounds from undeserving lovers are often deep, and GILLIE does not hide from her scars. Hear You Say is nothing shy of exquisite bravery. A beautiful song embodying the strength of wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Closing track Pleasant Thing is eerie by how well it resonates. A blend of soothing tones, gentle guitars and whispering vocals pry open the track. Leading us towards muted lyrics, cutting through like poetry. The poetic sombre nurtured by GILLIE, is once again achingly honest and so sublime.

Vocals lace through the mind of the listener delicately, yet the truths pouring through them awash all else. Soft, rhythmic instrument patterns compliment these vocals gracefully, whilst giving the track body and motion. Pleasant Thing soars to swoon in its breezy chorus, that yearns with sheer lust and longing. A gorgeous alternative love song. Pulling away from, yet pulling towards desire.

Each track presented within Open Up, Honey holds its uniqueness so well. Varying vocal pitches and depths convey such staggering emotion. I have no doubt, that each will hit home with their listeners in different ways.

Speaking of her Debut EP, Gillie explains;

This EP is based around the feeling of emerging from a grey, low place and rediscovering a place of certainly and comfort.

Overall, crafting an EP that is stunning, both vocally and lyrically. Pairing such refined vocals with gentle instrument playing has allowed for gorgeous juxtaposition.

Open Up, Honey is sublime in every way it could possibly be.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Jean-Francois Machet. Consisting of Gillie Rowland on vocals, Ailsa Tully on bass and Finlay O’Hara on drums.


Open Up, Honey is available to stream now via Skivvy Records

Follow Gillie on her socials

https://www.instagram.com/gillie_music

https://www.facebook.com/GillieMusic/

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Music Premiere: Gillie ‘Winter Girl’ Ahead of EP Release

Music Premiere: Gillie ‘Winter Girl’ Ahead of EP Release

Ahead of the release of her strikingly-beautiful Debut EP Open Up, Honey which will be out this Friday (24th July). GILLIE has shared with me the EPs lead single Winter Girl, which I am beyond delighted to introduce to you today.

Combining rich earthy tones, with a sheer and beautiful whimsicality. GILLIE blends a variance of sound to create the most sublime music.

Winter Girl is heartfelt and staggering. A stunning debut, from a very promising EP.

A lyrical journey of change. The track encapsulates growth from a pained past. Yet bravely explores elements often unspoken, through recognising that progression may not be easy.

Flourishing in the freedom of her self-expression. The track provides hope and clarity, whilst not hurrying past moments of doubt and angst. Recognising that in time, one can move forward with them.

GILLIE’s songwriting is raw and truthful. Encasing this within delicate yet fiercely unwavering vocals, and finessing amongst the gentle strums of a guitar. GILLIE has self-produced a track that is open, and enriching.

Providing a wonderful welcome of what we can expect to hear from Open Up, Honey upon its release on 24th July.

Listen to the first track Winter Girl exclusively here

Follow Gillie on her socials:

https://www.instagram.com/gillie_music

https://www.facebook.com/GillieMusic/

https://twitter.com/GILLIE_music

The Debut EP from Gillie Open Up, Honey will be released on 24th July via Skivvy Records

925 by Sorry – Album Review

925 by Sorry – Album Review

I have one word to describe this band and their sound, and that is intriguing. I had never encountered Sorry before 925 burst on the scene. I merely saw an album from a band unknown to me, receiving rave reviews on social media. Therefore of course my curiosity was peaked, and it wasn’t long before I indulged my senses with their debut album release.

925 greeted me as a gorgeous medley of sound. Each song is able to capture a different mood and feeling. With every individual element of each song reflecting this. It appeared to me as though they have been crafted meticulously, from their lyrics through to each note of their musical content. Different instruments are used within every song to create a unique vibe for each. 

With each song having its own uniqueness, this does mean that overall tracks on the album do contrast. However, I don’t see this as a bad thing. These contrasting sounds blend together to create a kaleidoscope. Complete clarity can never be captured within this album, as we are taken on a wild ride both lyrically and musically, but I believe that is the point. The album is a trippy, euphoric rush. Moods sway and vocals swing. It’s a meticulous, gorgeous high. 

I have seen this band described as having an ‘I don’t care’ attitude. Through the album however, personally I struggle to find this. There is a confidence present of course, although, I perceive Sorry as a band experimenting and breaking boundaries through their debut album. 925 is an experiment with impeccable results surely, I am left wondering how there could possibly be any anomalies present?

Whether Sorry constructed 925 on an arrogant social whim, frankly has no impact on me. I can see they have sought inspiration from and interpolated well-known tracks, however I only have admiration for their boldness. To be so blasé, and use popular releases to create something new. Yes it does snub the noses of their predecessors slightly, but they have crafted their influences into their own forms of artwork. In no way are the songs of 925 carbon copies of resembling sounds before them. 

The album is meant to be beautifully woozy and dream-like. This is what we should focus on, if we possibly can. Hazy vocals clash with jarring instruments and create songs that shake and wake you up. Vocals are bordering on mundane but, they’re not. I can’t help but feel that lead vocalist Asha Lorenz, purposefully mutes her sound to stir emotions and hook onto the ledge of a feeling.

To hone in and cherry pick my favourite tracks for you to listen to, would not do this album justice. Listeners who capture the spirit of 925 as a whole, will enjoy the freedom it offers from its fluidity, and relish in the mystery of this intriguing band.

Why not explore?


Talk Show Release Debut EP ‘These People’

Talk Show Release Debut EP ‘These People’

If you haven’t listened to Talk Show yet, then you seriously need to. The bands brand new EP ‘These People’ is out today, and is available to stream on all platforms. It contains four singles, that will stir your subconscious and invade your mind. 

On this punchy new release, Talk Show simmer to boiling point with their edgy punk sound and lyrics that snare your senses. I have been eagerly waiting the EP since we were graced with our first taste back in January. The initial single Banshee quickly entranced me, and was a stark reminder of the incredible capabilities this band possess. 

Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well. 

Talk Show are a fascinating enigma to behold, and their onstage presence is unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Blending edgy punk with something far darker, their latest EP is a glowing example of how they cleverly clash genres and sounds, to create a form of punk that is in many ways a breed of their own. Their songs are eery and distorted in their lyrical approach which knocks you off balance in a woozy bliss, but as quickly as you are lost are you then swept back up again and thrown into the frantic, chaotic frenzy of their fast paced, energetic tempo. Instruments collide and screech in this fuelled riot, with vocals tearing through in a crazed harmony that I can’t imagine any other band fusing together so well. Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well. 

My personal favourite from ‘These People’ is Petrolhead. Talk Show always have a way of building their songs up brilliantly, but Petrolhead is nothing shy of an explosion. It’s charged and gloriously angry, and I cannot wait to hear it live. 

You can catch Talk Show on their headline tour in September. They are also going to be playing across Wales for IVW with Panic Shack, postponed tour dates are yet to be confirmed.

Keep up to date by following Talk Show on their socials:


All images used have been sourced from http://www.facebook.com/thetalkshowband/