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Carter's Top EPs of 2021
A year full of great releases also featured plenty of great EPs. The EP is almost a lost art form in the era of bloated album releases, and these artists did their best to continue the tradition of the short release.
5
Angel Olsen
Aisles
An interesting take on some 80’s staples, Aisles is a surprising but pretty good sidestep from Angel Olsen. These songs bathe in the synths they use, slowing down some greats to portray them in a new way. It’s another example of Angel’s wide array of talents.
4
WJSN
UNNATURAL
WJSN might just be my favorite k-pop group at this point, and EP’s like UNNATURAL are why. It’s a party from beginning to end, with multiple songs that easily could’ve been the title track. Put this on and let your body move to the groove.
3
Yves Tumor
The Asymptomatical World
With a name as fantastical as its predecessor, The Asymptomatical World is a great continuation of Yves Tumor’s experimental leanings. Their performance is as stellar as it was on the previous LP, and the instrumentals are wildly entertaining at every turn. It’s another winner for one of experimental music’s finest.
2
Kero Kero Bonito
Civilisation II
A sequel that improves on the original in every way, Civilisation II looks into the past, present and future for inspiration. Each track nails its respective moment in time, with finale “Well Rested” being an apocalyptic epic that signals a new direction for the trio. They’re still one of synthpop’s most exciting bands, and this EP only fans the flames of excitement for their next LP.
1
Beach House
Once Twice Melody: Chapter One
Is this a bit of a cheat? Yes, but I don’t care. This first of four parts to Beach House’s 2022 record Once Twice Melody sees the band operating at their absolute best. Each song builds off the hazy, intoxicating nature of 7, but this stuff is on a whole other level. Allow yourself to get lost in these songs as you wait for what could be Beach House’s best album yet early next year.