Here is a top 10 list of my favourite EPs of 2014.
10. Creeper – Self Titled
Creeper emerged this year from the ashes of Southampton
punks Our Time Down Here. This is their debut release and shows that big things
should be expected from this band. Channelling their heroes AFI and Alkaline
Trio they have created a refreshing pop punk sound that will make you want to
sing as loudly as possible and dance like a mad person in equal measure. Stand
out tracks include We Had A Pact and Gloom. Look for these guys to explode in
2015!
9. Mϋg – World Of Weirdos
Mϋg are in my opinion one of the most underrated punk bands
in the UK and this release proves that. World Of Weirdos contains three
fantastic tracks of pop tinged skate punk that will be stuck in your head for a
long time. This EP has been on my
recently played list ever since it came out and the song World Of Weirdos is
one of my favourites of the entire year.
8. Bottler – Smithereens
Bottler were a band in took me an age to check out but my
gosh I’m glad I did. Smithereens is a five song release packed with smartly
written melodic punk rock. Containing songs about being in a band, committing
crimes and religion no topic seems out of bounds for these gentlemen. Stand out
tracks are Ex-Members, Ready Willing & Able and No Questions Please.
7. Bandit The Panther – 1-Up The Punks
Strictly a single rather than an EP but I had to include it
on this list because it’s so damn good. The title track is an uptempo song
lamenting life in the punk rock scene. The second song The Deadpool Of Punk
Rock is a short but catchy song that you’ll want to sing along with instantly.
Both of these songs are on a brand new Bandit The Panther album promised for
2015.
6. New Town King – Pull and Rewind
Pull and Rewind was always going to be an interesting
release from Colchesters New Town Kings as it is the first recording material
with new front man Dabs. When a band changes their lead singer there is always
going to be a change in the sound. For the New Town Kings it was a brilliantly
refreshing new sound, the characteristic modern take on the traditional ska sound
but Dabs vocal really adds to the band. Stand out tracks for me are Change and
Luna Rosa.
5. Apologies, I Have None – Black Everything
Black Everything was another record that marked a change in
a bands sound. I’ll be the first to admit that the first time I listened to
this EP I wasn’t a big fan of it, previous release London is one of my all time
favourite records. As I listened to it more the new darker sound really grew on
me and really cemented new solo front man Josh McKenzie as one of the best
songwriters in punk rock. Check out Two Bombs In A Box and Coffee, Alcohol,
Codeine, Repeat.
4. Not Half Bad – Sorry Dudes
This EP has really been a pleasant surprise, I only picked
it up by chance whilst buying 7 Years Bad Luck’s album from Disconnect
Disconnect Records. Sorry Dudes features six songs of some of the best folk
punk you will have heard all year. This Texan four piece write some fun as
fudge fist in the air anthems that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
Check out Daybeers and You’re Alright You Know That Kid.
3. Eat Defeat – Its Always Sunny In Yorkshire
Eat Defeat are a band I have a lot of time for. Combining skate,
pop and ska punk they have released one of the most uplifting releases of the
year. It’s Always Sunny In Yorkshire contains three songs (a a alternative
version of one of the songs) about not letting life beat you, believing that it
will get better, having the strength to stand up for yourself and living to
fight another day. Luck Is For Losers (featuring Barney Boom of Sonic Boom Six
fame) is easily in my top five songs of the year.
2. Red Light Rebels – Rebels
Red Light Rebels really came out of nowhere for me this
year. Having been invited to a gig by Tom Saunders of 4ft Fingers and The Hook
Line Riot (two of my favourite bands) to see his new band in Cheltenham (a gig
that I unfortunately couldn’t attend) I checked out this release on their
Bandcamp page. Rebels is five songs of punk rock perfection. Five excellently
written songs played with energy and passion and are filled with great hooks.
Stand out tracks are California Avenue and Barracuda.
1. RVIVR – Bicker and Breathe
RVIVR are one of the most forward thinking and most
important bands in the punk scene today. Whilst being better known for the
gender equality politics many of their songs can also be easily relatable for
many of life’s problems. Bicker and Breathe is a great pop punk record where
Mattie and Erica’s dual vocals really come into their own. Topics such as
homelessness, struggling to say goodbye and being strong are included on this
fantastic release. Stand out songs are 20 Below and In Waves.
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