Normally, I like to include EPs on my worst list, and exclude them from my best list to make room for albums. However, I kind of realized that was a stupid way of going about it. Good EPs got entirely neglected from lists, and it often clogged my worst list. I decided this year, I would just ranked them separately. I had made a vow to hear way more new music than I did in past years, so I also didn't feel as though I needed EPs to pad out my worst list. With that being said, here's what I think of each of these short projects I heard this year in order or best to worse. I implore you to check many of these out; EPs often get overlooked in favor of full-length records even if they're fantastic. That ain't fair—put some respect on short releases.
TOP 50 OF 2021: https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/cljesse/list/49442/top-50-albums-of-2021/
TOP 20 WORST ALBUMS OF 2021: https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/cljesse/list/54130/top-20-worst-albums-of-2021/
1.
This is probably my favorite thing that Show Me the Body have made. Their brand of filthy, grimy post-hardcore has always hit pretty hard, and on Survive, they only make room for their most top notch material. Easily my favorite EP of the year.
2.
The concept of this EP is that it is about a couple dying in a car wreck. It depicts their final moments just before, and right after death.
It sounds like you're the one that's dying. I mean that in the best way possible.
4.
Y'all fucking underrated this to hell smfh. This is legit my favorite Yves Tumor release. I want more of this alt/indie pop shit please and thank you.
5.
Shout out to @PipePanic for putting me on these gals. One of his friends is a member and they're a local shoegaze band in NZ. Give them a peep, it's good shit. They don't have nearly enough exposure for how quality their material is.
6.
Neupink does the Neupink thing then makes it onto my year end list 821648328573485 times.
7.
This was a big improvement on Holfron. Mythro really surprised me with the level of quality he reached on Imperfect Muse. This is a really serene, unique spin on indie folk that I thoroughly enjoyed hearing this year.
Wow guys, YouTubers can make music. Crazy, I know.
8.
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(Get it? Because they're called Underscores? I'm so fucking funny bro)
9.
Beach House? Absolutely gorgeous and great dream pop? Never, what a preposterous suggestion.