Top EPs of 2019

Throughout my entire life as a “hardcore kid” I have heard people talk about how bands can write a great 7” but miss but not a great LP. This year though proved them wrong, a few bands (or artists) are on both the on my best LP and EP lists and a few more will hopefully have LPs out in 2020 that I am incredibly excited for (I’m looking straight at Method Of Doubt, Anxious, Life's Question, One Step Closer and Ekulu). Below is a list of my top EPs of 2019. 

Top EPs

Anxious – Never Better (Triple-B Records)

I saw these guys live last month and I can only imagine it was what it was like to see Saves The Day when they were first starting out. Incredible band.

Colonial Wound – Untitled (Self Released)

Ekulu – Half Alive (Triple-B Records)

Their 7” last year blew me away and this one did too. Only two songs, some may call it a single I feel they hold themselves up so well it’s an EP. If I heard right they have an LP coming out this year and I can only imagine it will be on my top albums of 2020 list.

Get A Grip – Running Out of Time (Criminal Records)

Gumm – Farther Apart (Dog Years Records)

Ian Shelton & Pretty Matty – S/T (Self Released)

Jackal – S/T (Painkiller Records)

Life’s Question - A Tale of Sudden Love and Unforgettable Heartbreak (New Morality Zine)

I saw this band in February and the blew my fucking socks off. Their singer had one of the best vibes while on stage that I’ve ever seen (reminded me of Freddy Madball kinda). Their last two releases are in my opinion perfect, I cannot wait to hear an LP from them.

Low End – Summer Blues (D2B Records)

I saw this band at least 4 times this year, every single fucking time they killed it.

Lurk - Electro-Shock (Pure Noise Records)

Method Of Doubt – Accepting What We Know (I.O.U. Records)

The best release of the year, not just EP but best damn release across the board. Their demo from 2018 was also fucking fantastic. I’ve lucked into a copy of each version of this 7” and if I can track down a test press I’m gonna have to snag it.

Negro Terror – Voice Of Memphis (Chicken Ranch Records)

R.I.P. Omar.

One Step Closer - From Me to You (Triple-B Records)

Band caught me off guard not just musically but with their incredible album art and their strange yet really cool merch ideas. I’m excited for everything they do next.

Physique - The Rhythm of Brutality (Distort Reality)

Protocol – Bloodsport (Dynastic Yellow Star/11 PM Records)

Result Of Choice - Place of My Dreams (Advanced Perspective)

Rule Them All – Dreams About (Flatspot Records)

The Royal Hounds – God Bless The Royal Hounds (Oi! The Boat Records/Contra Records)

Self Defense Family - Performative Guilt (6131 Records)

Sunstroke – Bloom At Night (New Morality Zine)

If it is on New Morality Zine, I will love it. But Sunstroke is the band that of this label. Bloom At Night is a follow up to their debut LP Second Floor / Seven that I still listen to every few weeks. Even with all this other amazing music coming out in the last year.

Trita – Tunguskan (Self Released)

Truth Cult – S/T (Advanced Perspective)

Vantage Point - An Answer You Won't Find (Triple-B Records)

One of the best straight forward hardcore releases I’ve heard in ages. I feel like I don’t hear enough people show these guys some love.

Victory Garden – Madeleine (Self Released)