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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Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest EP ‘Fine’

Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest EP ‘Fine’

Cradling tender emotion in the palm of their hands, is a skill that Cardiff indie-pop band Rosehip Teahouse have completely perfected. Boasting a back catalogue of gorgeously cathartic music. Latest EP ‘Fine’ merges old and new tracks, entwining memories, thoughts and feelings into just shy of a blissful 15 minutes. 

Swooning vocals from lead singer Faye Rogers glide ever so delicately across a soundscape of lightly placed instruments. Twinkling keyboards shimmer among a subtle pop of synths. While guitars nip, and drums dance, adding just enough grandeur to collate that “full band” sound. Rosehip Teahouse carefully ensure their blend of instruments is not overpowering, but instead provide a sound that is wholesome and pleasant to the palate.

It is a delight to rediscover gems such as ‘No Gloom’ and ‘Summer Sleep’ from very early demo recordings, alongside new singles ‘I Meant What I Said’,  ‘A Million Times’ and ‘I’m Not Whole’.  We hear a progression in songwriting style as Rosehip Teahouse have grown, yet cherish the emotions forever present within their music. Embodying such poignant pleasure, from their very conception as a band. 

Of Rosehip Teahouse’s latest EP, Faye expresses; “The fine EP is a collection of moments that span from 2016 to now. They cover love, losing love, fighting an eating disorder that wanted to take me over completely, my unregulated emotions, dreams (both literal and metaphorical) finding some sort of meaning amongst it all and coming out the other side, slightly stronger as a result of it. A lot of the songs are re-arrangements of the very earliest Rosehip demos and it’s been really cathartic and really special to let them free with the help of the rest of the band. I hope people can relate to the songs, give them a home for a bit and feel at least a little supported in the struggles we all have staying grounded in this overwhelming world.” 

‘Fine’ is without doubt, another firm favourite, more than capable of capturing hearts and bottling heartbreak. Exquisite in its fragile delivery of unwavering lyrics, Rosehip Teahouse share a true depiction of our innermost self-doubts and worries. Swathed within the most beautiful music. 

Stream ‘Fine’ on all platforms now via Big Indie Records

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Rosehip Teahouse Release New EP ‘Chillin in the Void’

Rosehip Teahouse Release New EP ‘Chillin in the Void’

Exploring emotion and self-expression in such a profoundly beautiful way. Discover the latest EP from Rosehip Teahouse Chillin in the Void. Led by the breathtaking vocals of Faye Rogers, Rosehip Teahouse hold our hand through their wonderous journey. Gifting music that swells with woozy love songs, earnest daydreams and intense emotion.

Gorgeously soft vocals set against twinkling synths and instruments, to create the loveliest blend of indie-pop. Emotive lyrics are woven with care, resulting in music that is tender and nurturing. Ensuring a comforting warmth wraps around us like a hug. No strangers to addressing fragile subjects; Rosehip Teahouse strip emotions bare, presenting them in their rawest and most vulnerable state. With an honesty so stark, their music is undoubtedly tinged with sadness. However, the resounding amount of empathy overwhelms any other disposition.

Chillin in the Void contains three previously released singles; It’s The Wrong Time, Regretting It and Thought Number 3. Alongside two brand new tracks; Space to Think and Lightfooted, for Once. Each exquisitely written, is home to its own unique message, meaning or purpose. Such sincerity sparks from their unflinching honesty in harnessing everyday thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Alluding that the ordinary is indeed rather extraordinary.

Magic found from within nostalgia and pondering, when thoughts are turned into lyrics.

You can stream or purchase Chillin in the Void via Sad Club Records

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If you enjoyed what you read, and want to keep up to date with my writing. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! @beckyandthebands

Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest Single ‘Thought Number 3’ Ahead of EP Release

Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest Single ‘Thought Number 3’ Ahead of EP Release

3:00am. Despite the stillness of the night, you find yourself lying awake. Looking again for the hundredth time, at the hand crawling around the clock. “Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock!” rattles through your brain like a dull ache. Bleary eyed and tired. Your inner monologue just won’t stop tonight. Sleep would be nice, but the thoughts are too loud.

Latest single Thought Number 3 from Rosehip Teahouse embodies those lonely hours we share with the moonlight. Basked in nothing but our own thoughts. Sleep will not come, because we are too exhausted by our minds.

Peering in through the glass of Rosehip Teahouse, we steal a glimpse at the thoughts keeping lead vocalist and songwriter Faye Rodgers awake. What begins as gentle musings, soon spiral.

Wrapping sincere lyrics within soft, delicate sounds. Rosehip Teahouse create emotional music, without any crushing weight to it. Instruments are kept light, and twinkling synths sparkle throughout the track like stars.

The woozy, dreamlike soundscape sets a scene of calm and tranquillity. Lyrics highlight Faye’s gorgeous song-writing abilities, and flawless vocals remain perfectly harmonious. The soft nature of the song, almost for a moment, allows for an escape from the sadness behind the words sung to us. Until we are jolted by the poignant finale.  

Pairing opposing elements, of deep sadness and soothing music, together so beautifully. Fragile emotions are cradled and vocals lullaby soft. As though warming us with a comforting glow in the darkness.

At just over a minute and a half long; Thought Number 3 is a tender little indie-pop track, with huge emotional, poetic, and personal reach. For Rosehip Teahouse to have conveyed music so moving and resonate within such a short duration of time, is truly wonderous.

Thought Number 3 is available to stream now via Sad Club Records

Follow Rosehip Teahouse on their socials

http://www.twitter.com/rosehipteahouse

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If you enjoyed what you read, and want to keep up to date with my writing. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! @beckyandthebands

Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest Single ‘Regretting It’

Rosehip Teahouse Release Latest Single ‘Regretting It’


Upbeat swirls of indie-pop flutter amongst emotive lyrics. Yet again, Rosehip Teahouse swoon with latest sad bop Regretting It. Gorgeously distressed acoustic guitars marry beautifully against lead vocalist Faye Rodgers’ lovelorn lyrics, as we drift along in this dizzy daydream. 

A wonderfully intricate songwriter, Faye is able to wrap sincerity and truths within her music. Yet there is undeniably such a wholesome care to her craft. With lyrics so unwavering and pertinent; carefully and delicately delivered. Such sweetness is derived from a conscientious nature, resulting in the glorious music we are led to behold from Rosehip Teahouse. 

The ability to convey sadness with uplifting music is no easy task, certainly if you want to do it well. However, Rosehip Teahouse have balanced this to perfection. In one hand cradling the emotional weight of the track, and in the other ensuring the track remains bubbly, by nurturing its musical sound to light acoustics and a pop of synths. 

Little whistles and claps provide Regretting It with a kind-hearted lift. Helping soothe an affirmation in my mind, that despite the majority of us continuing to experience difficult feelings and struggles at the moment. If we try our best to hold onto a little positivity and happiness in our lives, then somehow we can get through this. However small and gentle these little pieces of happiness may be.


Regretting It is available to stream on all platforms now via Sad Club Records

You can follow Rosehip Teahouse on their socials below

http://www.twitter.com/rosehipteahouse

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Rosehip Teahouse Release Beautiful New Track ‘It’s The Wrong Time’

Rosehip Teahouse Release Beautiful New Track ‘It’s The Wrong Time’

Rosehip Teahouse are back with a beautiful, woozy track written in isolation by lead vocalist Faye Rogers. Always sharing messages of positivity and kindness, Faye is a movingly brave lyricist who sings openly of our innermost human emotions and fragile experiences. Her latest track is a glowing beacon in dark times. Her vocals soar on the DIY single, and it is a delight to listen to.

A slice of indie goodness, soothing and soft. It highlights a tender, delicate subject and wraps it in sweetness.

Faye of Rosehip Teahouse has a gorgeous gift of comforting listeners through her music. ‘It’s The Wrong Time’ is about those self-destructive thoughts that often invade our minds when we are on our own, and linger. Faye has written and performed the song to raise awareness that we are not alone in encountering these frightening feelings, despite feeling like we might be, and to help those who may be struggling during such a strange period of our lives.

Everything about this song is beautiful; its vocals, its meaning, the subtle backing music. The track is simply made, but truly glows. A slice of indie goodness, soothing and soft. It highlights a tender, delicate subject and wraps it in sweetness. Faye’s voice is set against twinkling sounds from a keyboard, which compliments the serenity of her latest single, and swirls us around in a lullaby haven. Although ‘It’s The Wrong Time’ does have lyrics relating to unnerving thoughts, worry and fear woven within it, the song is subtle and so caringly delivered by Faye, it is a beautiful safety net rather than a trigger. Personally, I believe a lot of listeners will find solitude and peace within this blissfully blended track.

I commend Faye for once again having the boldness and bravery to record such a touching, emotional song and perform it with such wonderful composure.

If you enjoy listening to Rosehip Teahouse’s latest single, please do go and listen to their other singles on Spotify, and tune into any livestream sessions Faye is performing on Instagram. Often, you will be able to hear unreleased music that the band are working on, and I assure you these are equally as stunning. The band hail from Cardiff, and have performed a string of gigs locally and further afield over the years. Next time they are playing near you, it would be wonderful if you would go out and see them live. Their shows are completely mesmerising. I featured them as one on the best, emerging Welsh bands that you need to know about, back when I first started my blog in December 2019. You can read that here if you like.

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‘It’s The Wrong Time’ is out now exclusively on Bandcamp.

https://rosehipteahouse.bandcamp.com/

You can either download it for free, or donate whatever you can to support their music.