2024: First Quarter Review | EPs
A rundown of some of the best EPs of the year between January and March.
Hi Pal,
If you’re new here, welcome to this lovely corner of Substack. We’re going to take a look at some of the standout EP releases of the year, so far. This is not a ranked list, it’s just a fun rundown. Streaming links are embedded in titles.
I. Burning — Zach Webb
Indie Folk
Zach Webb’s emotive and vulnerable brand of indie folk music represents one of my favourite evolutions in the genre in the past decade and a half. It’s amazing to me that we still do not have a proper LP from Zach Webb yet, but I’m happy to report that this EP is a step in the right direction.
II. Unfall II — Chase Tremaine
Acoustic, Emo, Alternative Rock
Who would have thought that an acoustic, stripped-down Chase Tremaine would be something that I would crave more of in 2024? Well, it happened and here we are. I am a huge fan of his explosive emo-tinged style of alternative rock but this EP has shown me a side of his sound that I can see myself falling in love with as well.
III. When The Turbulence Hits — Hopeful.
Indie Rock
Nothing makes me happier than discovering a band at the start of their creative journey. When The Turbulence Hits is energetic and bold; it sows enough good seeds that fill me with hope about the potential of this band. I expect great things from them in future as they continue to make more music.
IV. Into The Good Light — From The Ground Up
Indie Worship, Alternative
Speaking of new bands, this is another entry on this list that is brimming with potential. After listening to this EP repeatedly, I can say with confidence that this band has the potential to create different styles of music. They showed glimpses of this eccentricity in the few songs here and I am looking forward to more from them.
V. The Beginning of Sorrows — The Forerunner
Hardcore
I’ll be honest, it’s been a pretty slow year on the heavy music front. But I’d rather be patient and be rewarded with quality releases like this one than just settle for anything. Forerunner is at its absolute best here with a punchy EP that praises and reverences God.
VI. with love, always ♡ II — Sarah Nathalié
Alternative R&B
Hearing Sarah Nathalié on new music again is always nice. She’s one of my earliest discoveries on the scene back in 2020 and I will always have a sentimental attachment to her music. This EP is a great follow-up to the 2023 EP of the same title.
VII. MATIN: Rest — Jess Ray
Indie Folk, Singer-songwriter
Jess Ray started my musical year and it began spectacularly. As soon as she announced the MATIN series of stripped-down live worship tunes, I was sold. I suspect that we will be getting this quarterly and another one is in the works soon, if this is any indication of what is to come. She may have my favourite series of releases come the end of the year.
VIII. Unto the Hills — We Dream of Eden
Ambient
If you know me well enough, then you probably guessed that an ambient project will make this list. I’m fairly certain that this is going to be a packed year in ambient music as the months pass, but I’m grateful to have an artist who is as prolific as We Dream of Eden in my library. This EP is another example of that consistency.
IX. Paper Horses — Paper Horses
Folk
The idea of a supergroup in the Christian folk/singer-songwriter space might seem outlandish, but when Taylor Leonhardt, Sandra McCracken, Leslie Jordan and Jess Ray collaborate on a new creative project, I’m not sure if there’s any other name to call it. This EP is beautiful and one of my standout listening experiences of the year.
X. Three Gifts — Liturgical Folk, Jon Guerra
Folk
I’m not even sure these three singles qualify as an EP but I can’t get them out of my head, so here we are. These three songs inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:13 have been a source of comfort for me since they dropped a few days ago. I hope they can do the same for you.
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at
stismavo@gmail.com
Miiight have made an account just for this comment lol
(Yay Unfall II !!!) I need to check out some of these already. Thank you for the recs!
Btw I don't know if you've listened to the new Me+mad EP (THE GIRL WHO PLAYS WITH BEASTS)....lllllliiike????....whoa... definition of insanely underrated imo.
If not (lucky), I'd highly recommend as a thank you for the great work you've been doing with these posts : https://open.spotify.com/album/1m3V5YYeJ7vJyaWxDIdZRk?si=32qPrzbKSZaWldK6xu0hnA (the MV for big bad dragon's also really fun...well, all their MVs are great...sorry I'll start ranting; discovered them this year and I mayyy be a little awestruck)