The diversity of underground music continues to shape the landscape of current sound, with artists pushing the boundaries of expression. As we reflect on 2024, D//E's EPs of the Year serve as a testament to the boldness of smaller releases that might not always dominate the mainstream but are undeniably influential.
The list complements our Albums of the Year feature, shining a spotlight on the incredible works which have made 2024 a good year for music.
10. Knives - What We See In Their Eyes
Knives have made their mark early on the UK alternative scene, building on their growing reputation. Their 2024 EP latest release,
What We See In Their Eyes, channels frustration with certain individuals in Bristol who defy the city’s famously friendly reputation. The EP explores the essence of punk and its cultural significance, blending post punk, hardcore, rap, and noise elements into a chaotic yet electrifying fusion. The result is a high-energy offering which brims with intensity.
9. HUMANHEAD - HUMANHEAD
HUMANHEAD, a new hardcore band from San Francisco, California, made their debut in June 2024 with a notable new EP. Their sound blends a range of alternative influences with a steadfast hardcore core, resulting in a release which marries genuine heaviness with a modern edge. The EP captures the spirit of the Bay Area hardcore scene while presenting it through a contemporary lens.
8. DETECTS - Blending In
DETECTS have consistently delivered standout EPs, steadily carving their path in the world of underground music. With the release of their latest EP,
Blending In, the band finely fuses their brooding post punk essence with touches of shoegaze and dreampop. The result is a richly textured exhibition of their distinctive sound at its finest.
7. Martirio - Fuerza Ancestral
Fresno, California punks Martirio are back with a powerful new collection of tracks on their freshly unveiled EP,
Fuerza Ancestral, following their impressive
DEMO EP from late 2023. Martirio’s hardcore sound takes center stage, featuring searing vocals and unforgettable guitar riffs which retain a dark edge.
6. IPANAZAR - Skin Hunger
Building on the good reception of their 2021 EP,
Repressed Memory Foam, Berlin-based band IPANAZAR returned with their latest release,
Skin Hunger. The EP delves into profound existential themes, presenting a refined fusion of slowcore, shoegaze, and grunge. With their refreshing blend, the band offers an invigorating perspective on the genre’s current trajectory.
5. dayaway - ghost beach
With its energy and surf-inspired mood, ghost beach EP by dayaway creates imagery of sun-soaked shores and a carefree world of melodicism. The band, renowned for perfecting their melancholic atmosphere and dreamlike sound, delivers an EP which transcends mere summer vibes. Filled with standout singles and thoughtfully produced videos, the entire release extends far beyond the realm of seasonal nostalgia.
4. Bruise Bath - Unyielding Optimism
Unyielding Optimism, Bruise Bath's most recent EP, features a lot of melodicism, soft harmonies, and an overarching feeling of emotional heaviness which is impossible to miss, providing a moving exploration of the band's meditative terrain.
3. Lovers Guilt - Enveloped In Smoke
Lovers Guilt is the solo project of Brian Vega, best known for his work with the post punk band Fearing. The project embraces a more classic darkwave style, both in its sound and aesthetic. While it echoes elements of Fearing’s sound, it also carves out a distinct identity of its own, and the EP
Enveloped in Smoke offers a deeply emotional exploration of the complex trip through darkness and human feeling.
2. Agriculture - Living is Easy
Agriculture is far from a typical black metal band; each of their recordings has something fascinating to offer. The band claims that by stretching the boundaries of their creative vision,
Living is Easy is a landmark accomplishment in their career, producing a vibrant and deeply significant piece of music.
1. MINDREADER - Cope With Me
Cope With Me, a wonderful debut from Canada's MINDREADER, turns out to be a melancholic ode to the essential components of synthpop and synthwave. The EP displays the distinctive sound of a group prepared to blend genres and combine darkness and romanticism into each track, maintaining its underground post punk identity throughout.
1. MINDREADER - Cope With Me
2. Agriculture - Living is Easy
3. Lovers Guilt - Enveloped In Smoke
4. Bruise Bath - Unyielding Optimism
5. dayaway - ghost beach
6. IPANAZAR - Skin Hunger
7. Martirio - Fuerza Ancestral
10. Knives - What We See In Their Eyes
ZR
