Every year I put out a list of my favourite albums to come out that year but I never show love for the best EPs I've heard. Seeing as there's been a crazy amount of good music to come out this year (particularly in the later half), I figured I couldn't simply talk about LPs.

Here's a rundown of some of my most memorable EPs this year, in no particular order...

BONZAI - Lunacy
It took me a little while to get into this one. For the longest time I just kept listening to the first song "I Did" and ignoring the rest, simply because they didn't capture me as much as the first. However, after returning to it more recently I can definitely appreciate how innovative Bonzai is and how many intricate details have gone into making just these few tracks. This EP would go OFF live!



JORJA SMITH - Project 11
I spoke about Jorja a little bit on the BBC Sound of 2017 longlist but not too much on this EP. The only criticism I can give to this EP is that they should have put "Where Did I Go?" on it too. Other than that, I love her voice, I love her sound, and I'm excited to hear something unforgettable on her full length debut.


TASH SULTANA - Notion
I was very lucky to come across this one. It all sort of happened by chance; one minute I was listening to Bloc Party or whatever new thing I downloaded on my Spotify that week, and the next minute I was halfway through "Synergy". I have to say I was so impressed that I had to put it on repeat. At first the track sounded like some kind of Foals live interlude but when Tash started singing it was a whole different energy. Loved this find.



TOM MISCH - Reverie
After having heard and loved Tom's debut I have to say, it had some influence on my thoughts of the EP. Tom still has that signature sound but I guess once you hear a full length, an EP is just never quite the same. Still, as always a fabulous vibe, great features and perfect for road trips - I just wanted more of it!



CAN'T SWIM - Death Deserves A Name
This and Seaway might just be my two favourite "rock" discoveries this year! I love this EP. Chris' voice is really memorable and backed up by the band's fantastic songwriting abilities - I can definitely see exciting things around the corner for them. Especially now that they're signed to Pure Noise - most of my favourite pop punk/rock comes out of this label so I know they're in good hands.



ELLA MAI - Time
This was a Shazam discovery - I heard her song "No Rush" being played and when I listened to her EP some time later I was wildly impressed. Particularly at the fact that she was British, I had no idea from her singing voice - a part of me is always proud when I find great British talent. With artists like Jhene Aiko and Tinashe kind of taking a backseat in the mainstream at the moment, this is the perfect time for a voice like Ella's to rise up.



ARDYN - The Valley 
First thing I thought after hearing the title track was "this reminds me of so many different artists - Kins, Junip, Nick Mulvey, etc..." but at the same time, this is something wildly different. This EP really caught me and I love the lead singer's voice, such a fascinating tone and edge to it - it really adds a uniqueness to the songs. I could happily have listened to a full record from Ardyn and hope to soon.



RAYE - Second
After discovering her through the BBC Sound Of list I had a listen to the EP. After hearing the single "I, U, Us" I could hear that Raye had a voice with the potential to move pretty easily across genres, and so when I heard the second song on the album "Shhh" I was already expecting the EP to have a lot of different influences. Unfortunately it played it a little safe on the rest of the songs but safe was still skillful.



SHAKKA - The Island
Okay, here's a voice that definitely didn't play it safe! I've had my eye on Shakka for a couple years now but never really latched on until listening to this EP. He's done a lot with just a few tracks - dropping tracks with multiple influences, from dancehall to trap to soul, I expect I'll be hearing a lot of him in years to come. I'm gobsmacked he's never been on a BBC Sound Of longlist.

FLUME - Skin Companion
Flume's just been great this year all round. Skin was great and this EP was certainly a companion that held it's own. If the album needed more tracks some of these could have been great as interludes. I've been a fan of Flume since the self-titled so it's always great to hear new music where his production skills have grown - he's undeniably become a household name now. This EP couldn't have come from anyone else.

I didn't even intend to do a music news post this week but all of the following things have literally just popped up these past couple of days and they're just too interesting to let pass by!!

BRING ME THE HORIZON NEW SINGLE "DON'T LOOK DOWN"
I was actually really disappointed with this single after hearing their single "Drown". I really liked that release despite the controversy but this one I can't stand behind. It's a bit all over the place.  There are some better bits towards the end but overall I was like this sounds like (the current) Enter Shikari not BMTH. Either way, have a listen and form your own opinion here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW SINGLE "NEW WORLD TORTURE"
While She Sleeps on the other hand have gone above and beyond. This new single leaves me with nothing but high hopes for the new record. This Is The Six is a pretty hard debut to follow but WSS don't seem to be dipping in quality any time soon. Memorise the lyrics here. Preorder Brainwashed here out on the 23rd of March.


COASTS NEW SINGLE "WASH AWAY"
I actually found out about Coasts when I shazam-ed their song "A Rush Of Blood" and have been trying to catch up on them ever since. Before I could even do the rest of my research, they've already gone and released a new song! Have a listen here - it's a good'un.


FKA TWIGS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "VIDEO GIRL"
She just doesn't stop does she! After her latest self-directed video "#throughglass" here, she's now released another new music video, this time directed by Kahlil Joseph but FKA is still just as fabulous. The video is more my speed but the best part of all this is the song - one of my favourites on the record. Looking forward to more from this lovely lady. Have a watch and a listen here.


SOUNDGARDEN NEW SINGLE "STORM"
That I am able to even write this in my generation makes me ridiculously happy! It feels like absolutely ages since I heard new music from Soundgarden. Have a listen to the new track "Storm" here. I'm not sure if this means a new album but I sure hope so.


BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB NEW MUSIC VIDEO "HOME BY NOW"
From Bombay Bicycle Club's recent album Song Long, See You Tomorrow comes another music video. A great video for a great song. I feel like this record didn't get as much recognition as it should've because there is an abundance of tunes on it, this being one of them. Stream the new video here.


14TH NEW SINGLE "SWEET LIES"
14th have been busy since I last wrote about them as a new discovery here and it seems that they've welcomed a new member and to commemorate this they've released a new track here. I'm looking forward to some album buzz now. They've been dormant for quite a while so I'll be expecting lots more activity in 2015.


NICK MUVLEY NEW MUSIC VIDEO "I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME"
After seeing Nick Mulvey last week here I still haven't had enough of him yet. I loved this song when he performed it live and I still love it here. Maybe even more so with this brilliant new video shot in Australia to go along with it. Fantastic voice and equally talented songwriter.


THE BONGO CLUB NEW SINGLE "GET MYSELF TOGETHER"
The follow up to the recent single "The Hush Hush Song" from their upcoming debut record and an awesome follow up at that! I am loving all of these music videos as well, they are both brilliantly shot. I am ridiculously excited for this debut!! Have a listen to their new single here.


FOO FIGHTERS NEW SINGLE "CONGREGATION"
Another great song from their upcoming Sonic Highways record (out on the 10th of November)  has been released. I like it but so far nothing has been able to top "Something From Nothing" for me. That song is huge. This has some great elements though for sure. Excited is an understatement for how I feel about this album/project. Have a listen to "Congregation" here.

On Thursday (23/10/14), I went to The Institute, Birmingham to finally go and check out this "Nick Mulvey" I'd been hearing so much about. Before going I'd only actually heard one song of his - "Cucurucu" and I still remember the exact moment I heard it on the radio. I'm glad it stuck with me because it sounded amazing live. First, let me start off with his support act...

Sivu - another name I'd heard bopping around the interwebs of late. So much so, that once he said his name I immediately knew how it'd be spelt. Either way, this piqued my attention. It was unfortunate that he was doing the show without a band; merely accompanied by a pianist. I feel like his live performance would've benefited hugely from a band but hey-ho. He started off with his song "Sleep" and as he went on, I do remember thinking that his sound was a little too mellow for me to enjoy for a whole set. He had a nice voice but nothing about it seemed to stand out as unique, which ultimately made it seem a bit boring. However, there were some strong points and he came a across as a genuinely nice guy. Good connection with the audience and a strong finish with his song "Better Man Than He". I just don't think I enjoyed it enough to pay money for his music. Maybe his debut album - Something On High - can convince me on spotify.

Then Nick Mulvey stepped on stage and there was a clear definition of levels. I can't remember the last time that it was so evident who the main act was. The first thing I noticed about Nick was that he is an amazing guitarist! But then he started singing and I wasn't looking at his hands anymore. His voice is mesmerising. I don't really want to compare him to Ben Howard but his voice has the same impact. Great stage presence, and I was almost immediately drawn in by his bass/double bass player. Every time he came in on a song it was magical. Even when the band stepped off stage to let Nick perform some solo acoustic tracks, the mood of the room didn't dampen and neither did the quality of music. Some how, even in a reasonably big venue the show felt extremely intimate from beginning to end. If I knew more of his songs prior to the show I feel like I would've been completely in my element.

During the encore he performed a cover of Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" which was actually really nice. As many covers of that song as the world has already heard, this still managed to sound a little bit fresh and did bring a smile to my face. All in all, I would have to say that Nick Mulvey certainly gained a fan after this night. Have a listen to his debut album First Mind if you get the chance - you will not regret it.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...