Our annual EPs of the Year feature serves as a accompaniment to D//E's Albums of the Year list, being a way to recognize and celebrate more of the noteworthy music released throughout the year. It aims to highlight shorter releases which, despite their brevity, can have a significant impact comparable to full length albums.
The continued prevalence of underground music and genuine artistic expression, regardless of the duration of the creative output, is once again evident. These are D//E's EPs Of The Year 2023.
10. Halloween - Self Titled
Straight out of Philadelphia's vibrant shoegaze come noteworthy newcomers, Halloween, a band which embraces the timeless guitar-based alternative rock sounds of the nineties while pushing the limits of its refined identity.
Self Titled showcases the group's influences in slowcore, shoegaze, and lo-fi rock, together with their distinct quality. Marked by a gentle melodic approach and soft vocals, the EP imparts a pervasive, exquisite melancholy, and sounds incredibly cohesive.
9. Dreamwheel - Redeemer
Drawing inspiration from the dreampop aesthetics of Cocteau Twins, Dreamwheel, the collaborative project of Julia Gaeta and Evan Linger, based in Austria and France, inject a distinctive flair into the genre by fusing traditional shoegaze elements with modern post punk influences in a consistent manner. Infused with a potent dose of nostalgia and an otherworldly dreaminess, their sound embodies a unique dreampop way with hints of psychedelic pop, resulting in the overall notable work that is their new EP,
Redeemer.
8. Cheree - Factory
Cheree, a fresh group hailing from Oakland, California, has crafted a robust and raucous industrial sound which is intricately intertwined with the roots of hardcore punk. Their EP,
Factory, exhibits a raw and gritty instrumental style complemented by intense vocals, creating an overarching atmosphere of existential angst. It's an exceptional debut, characterized by a kind of forcefulness which derives from a combination of brutal elements and overt cathartic traits.
7. NIGHTSISTER - Send Angels Here
NIGHTSISTER from Portland revealed their remarkable EP,
Send Angels Here, a set of compelling darkwave and synthpop tracks. While clearly drawing inspiration from the genre's darker realms, the band also skillfully blends elements from a wide range of sounds, including pop and even the extreme metal influence derived from their members' involvement in the group MIND PRISONER. It all results in a distinctive fusion which sets their dark style apart.
6. Iress - Solace
From Los Angeles, doomgaze band, Iress, has made a highly awaited comeback, following their strong 2020 album,
Flaw, with their new offering,
Solace. The new EP comes very close to the melancholic and dark essence of its forerunner, and captures the brutal reality of unavoidable, yet, beautiful change, delivering a substantial dose of emotional intensity as a dense and powerful unit.
5. past self - Die Cry Hate
Through their new EP,
Die Cry Hate, past self, in an interesting and playful manner, integrate their notable fusion of Korean and English lyrics, embracing what they term as 'k-goth,' 'Korean postpunk,' and 'Seoulwave.' The release distinguishes itself not only for its bilingual expression and flawless dark aesthetics but also for its compelling compositions and past self's knack for great songwriting, drawing inspiration from the profound appreciation for darkwave and dark post punk in which the group indulges.
4. Madeline Goldstein - Other World
Madeline Goldstein's newest EP,
Other World, presents a gripping interpretation of dark synthpop, characterized by its brooding demeanor which leaves a lasting impact. Formerly part of Portland's Fringe Class, Goldstein's solo venture distinguishes itself with a penchant for gothic tones and aesthetics, blending post punk and dreampop elements.
Other World offers an immersive journey into the realm of nightmares, producing a hauntingly atmospheric dreamscape enriched by layers of synthesizers and emotive, standout vocals.
3. Drab Majesty - An Object In Motion
It's been four years since the release of Drab Majesty's widely praised and all around outstanding album,
Modern Mirror. The band's new material, put together during a retreat to the isolated coastal town of Yachats in Oregon in 2021, draws inspiration from neo-psychedelia and shoegaze in a noticeable and notable way. Their bold and experimental songwriting approach in the creation of the
An Object In Motion EP has proven to be successful, with their signature appeal remaining intact.
2. Violet Silhouette - Feverblue
A six-song release,
Feverblue preserves the distinctive dark tones characteristic of Violet Silhouette while expanding on the groundwork laid in their earlier material. Rooted in a synthpop base which pays homage to the genre's canon, the latest EP demonstrates the band's ability to substantiate the allure and excellence heard in their prior works, and affirms that the great quality of their previous offerings were not mere chance.
Feverblue presents Violet Silhouette as a potent and noteworthy force among contemporary darkwave and post punk artists.
1. American Nightmare - Dedicated to the Next World
The latest EP by American Nightmare,
Dedicated To The Next World, presents four new tracks which encapsulate the timeless essence of the band's hardcore punk sound. These songs are characterized by a raw quality which stays true to the band's distinctive gravity and intense energy. Featuring perceptive lyrics and an overarching sense of existential unease, American Nightmare offers a collection of tracks which excel, and are executed with precision. In honoring their musical legacy, the band manages to progress through challenging times while maintaining an existential and poetic expression in their forceful punk rock sound. The result is a genuine and immediate experience which resonates as authentically as ever.
1. American Nightmare - Dedicated to the Next World
2. Violet Silhouette - Feverblue
3. Drab Majesty - An Object In Motion
4. Madeline Goldstein - Other World
5. past self - Die Cry Hate
7. NIGHTSISTER - Send Angels Here
10. Halloween - Self Titled
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Straight out of Philadelphia's vibrant shoegaze come noteworthy newcomers, Halloween, a band which embraces the timeless guitar-based alternative rock sounds of the nineties while pushing the limits of its refined identity. Self Titled showcases the group's influences in slowcore, shoegaze, and lo-fi rock, together with their distinct quality. Marked by a gentle melodic approach and soft vocals, the EP imparts a pervasive, exquisite melancholy, and sounds incredibly cohesive.
