Mid-decade review: EPs of the decade so far

Andrew Belt
7 days ago
4 min read

Sharing our shortlist for EP of the decade so far - and the poll for you to decide!

While the albums always get the praise, EPs are worth attention too - and as our shortlist demonstrates, these shorter offerings can be a treasure trove of musical gold.

Our mid-decade review reaches its fourth scope of enquiry, following our album longlist, artist shortlist and song selections.

Six of our judges selected their top two EPs of the decade so far. They share their selections below, before we ask you to vote in our poll to decide the #1!

Kevin Alexander - Indie music writer

Again, this category was hard to narrow down. Places like Bandcamp and Soundcloud are overflowing with short players. There's truly something for everyone and every taste. In my case, I went with two opposites: easy, breezy dream pop and something a little harder.

Hazel English - Summer Nights (2022)

Summer Nights is a bit like cotton candy: delicious, makes you feel good, and doesn't stick with you. That's not always a bad thing, of course. As much as I like to make fun of "just vibes" music, sometimes something that reminds you of sunny days at the beach is what you need most - especially if it's already snowing in October. Which it totally was when I first wrote this record up.

Old Moon - Under All Skies (2022)

Burlington, Vermont's Tom Weir (who performs as Old Moon) had a busy 2022. In addition to the Under All Skies EP, he released a full-length record and a second EP. Not bad.

Under All Skies will take you back to the era before terms like alternative and indie existed when it was all bundled under the "college radio" umbrella. The EP has elements from all corners of those days in it. There are some post-punk Wire moments, jangle, and some roots rock.

All in all, Old Moon just might be your new favourite college band.

Karl Blakesley - LeftLion Music Editor and 5-9 Album of the Month podcaster

Spector - Extended Play (2020)

Sometimes an EP just needs to be four or five exceptional tracks to make an impact and that is exactly what Spector delivered with this faultless 2020 effort. Featuring some of Fred Macpherson’s finest lyrical genius as well as super catchy melodies and big anthemic choruses, this is simply one of my favourite short-players from any decade.

Holly Macve - Time is Forever (2024)

It may be recency bias, but I’m nominating my favourite EP of last year – Time Is Forever by Galway-born singer-songwriter, Holly Macve. While Macve also released her gorgeous third studio album Wonderland in 2024, this EP is essentially the bitesize version of that full-length project, with the shortened tracklist and runtime allowing these songs to have a punchier and more profound effect. Every song here is as good as the last, making for an EP that’s as intoxicating as it is timeless.

Phil Taylor - Music Observer blog founder

Holly Humberstone - The Walls Are Way Too Thin (2021)

A neatly wrapped package of six songs which take you on a 21-minute journey through Holly's emotions and past experiences; the record which kick-started Holly's rise from relatively unknown to world-class talent.

Girl Scout - Headache (2024)

A record on which Girl Scout skilfully explore those feelings that can pop up "at life's most random moments". To be able to analyse the complexity of life - an unfathomable mystery in so many ways - in this way takes a rare talent, but this group of musicians deftly do exactly that.

Andrew Belt - 5-9 editor

Softcult - See You in the Dark (2023)

The inaugural winner of 5-9's EP of the year in 2023, this six-track helping from the Canadian grunge twins had the feel of a band well into its stride. Still yet to release a full-length effort, See You in the Dark remains the band's most cohesive project, tackling subjects such as abuse of power, environmental degradation and unwanted advances from the opposite sex over cacophonous guitars and drums.

ROMderful. - NeverBeentheSame. (2024)

My EP of 2024, this short blast of rock-inspired tunes is incredibly catchy, varied and lasts long in the memory despite its brief run time. Alerted to the artist through his collaboration with SIPHO. on this record, this was one of my favourite discoveries of recent years, catching ROMderful. in experimental mode as he released EP after EP last year, tackling different genres and showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Adam Reeve - Dead Good Music Editor

partygirl - partygirl (2022)

The EP in general is underrated. It houses the perfect amount of songs to get to know a new artist, without taking up too much time. partygirl's self-titled EP was named as my favourite of 2022, and remains up there as one of the best in general. It contains some heavy, heavy themes and they're performed through some of the most impactful instrumentals and vocals around. It's so good.

Sunflower Thieves - Someone to Be There For (2022)

Sunflower Thieves have always been a constant in my time writing, and their last EP Someone To Be There For remains one of my favourites. The duo's vocals and harmonies are second to none, and they help create a sound that feels so homely and just nice. It's my go-to for when I want something good to hear.