The EP is always a great way for up and coming artists to introduce themselves to audiences, or for established bands to tease fans with new/extra tunes and in the past year there was no shortage of EPs floating around, so Shattered Vinyl picked the best of the best in EPs for 2011 with the Best EPs of 2011:
10. Hey Ocean! - Big Blue Wave
After returning to Toronto to kick start a summer of Canadian tour dates, Hey Ocean! hinted at a new record in the fall, instead the Vancouver trio made the leap from indie pop darlings to the big leagues landing a deal with Universal Music Canada, and released Big Blue Wave, a teaser of the material they've performed while on tour. Crisp, clean, upbeat pop that's true to form, Hey Ocean! prove ready for bigger and better things with their radio single "Big Blue Wave"
9. First Rate People - Someone Else Can Make A Work of Art
Ontario's First Rate People, have quietly produced two of the best pop gems of 2011 with "Funny Games" and title track "Someone Else Can Make a Work of Art" last June, put along side the stellar jam "Summer Job," they are arguably one of the best kept secrets that deserve to be on the tip of everyone's tongues. Someone Else Can Make a Work of Art is just a tease of what the collective have to offer. We can't help but eat up whatever First Rate People dish out, but really we'd like a proper LP please!... No Seriously, where is it?! First Rate People - Funny Games by The Clink
8. Teenage Kicks - Rational Anthems
Toronto's Teenage Kicks produced a solid set of gritty rock jams with Rational Anthems, the band's debut EP is instantly enjoyable filling the void in a year where traditional rock seemed scarce. The band's rough edges, smoldering vocals and just the right amount of WTF attitude of jams like "Brooklyn Bridge" prove Teenage Kicks are the rock staple of the local Toronto scene. They're the kind of band you'd have a beer with and we like Teenage Kicks and a good beer, it just makes sense! Oh, and they're tumblr account is worth a look. Brooklyn Bridge by Teenage Kicks
7. Ms Mr - Ghost City USA
The little known duo Ms Mr projected vivid imagery, and cinematic soundscapes accompanied by haunting female vocals for noir pop that's instantly captivating. Ghost City USA including a gorgeous cover of Patrick Wolf's "Time of My Life," is one EP we couldn't do without in 2011, lush composition and all. "Ash Tree Lane" is an immediate favourite and from there well you get the picture. Sometimes is a good thing and for Ms Mr it makes Ghost City USA's rewards all the more fun Ms Mr - Ash Tree Lane by The Recommender
6. Body Language - Social Studies (Deluxe Edition)
Brooklyn's Body Language know how to throw a dance party, the quartet's stellar jams, like favourite "Falling Out" range from spaced out funk to dance floor grooves, Body Language certainly bring something for everyone. Filled with African percussion, slick synth, dub reverb and boy/girl harmonies, Social Studies had us instantly hooked. Playful and soulful in equal parts, Body Language provide the tunes for a good old living dance party... care to join?! Body Language "Holiday (RAC Remix)" by Body Language
5. The Knocks - Magic
Brooklyn's The Knocks are everything you could ask for in a DJ/producer duo with dance-pop anthems like "Brightside" and disco-infused R.O.Y.L. (Rest of Your Life). The Knocks are one of the hottest producers in music, and Magic is a testament to their ear for pop gold. Known for remixes of Ellie Goulding, Rihanna, and Foster the People, the boys scored an appearance by Kardinal Offishall on their slow jam "All We Got." Magic is a must for any house party. Brightside EP by The Knocks
4. Megan Bonnell - MAPS
Megan Bonnell's debut EP with Nevado Records, was a gem for many reasons, if only to watch the angelic beauty grow more confident, and confortable in her own skin. MAPS darker balladry may be off putting to some, but if you're looking for the next big singer/songwriter, you've found it, in the Toronto based Bonnell. The sheer depth of Bonnell's sound, rich strings, warm vocals and lyrical imagery proved MAPS to be an alluring EP that's hauntingly gorgeous. Megan Bonnell - South Korea by killbeat music
3. Data Romance - Data Romance
Amy and Ajay (aka Data Romance) capped off 2011 by opening for Digitalism, but the real highlight of the year is the duo's debut EP. Self-titled, Data Romance, the greatest joy are the diverse soundscapes of each track as Amy weaves her airy yet soulful vocals over hypnotic beats courtesy of Ajay Bhattacharyya. The pair are certainly on the up and up, and with tracks like "Streetlight" and "The Deep" is not hard to find see why we love Data Romance. Bullets by Data Romance (official)
2. Lianne La Havas - Lost & Found
Lianne La Havas is by all accounts on her way up, including her recent naming to BBC's Sounds of 2012 and it all starts with Lost & Found, La Havas' debut EP a teaser of her gorgeously understated neo-soul. With splashes of folk and jazz, the tongue 'n cheek "Age" is an instant charm that hooks you in and never lets you go. La Havas has a playful sense of humour that's written all over her music, but it's her pared-down style and brilliant vocals that make her so captivating just listen to "Final Form." Lianne - Age (live in LA) by PluggedInTV
1. Young Buffalo - Young Von Prettylips
The Oxford, Mississippi natives' debut EP Young Von Prettylips is an instantly enjoyable introduction to the trio's blend of rock/noise-pop. Sprinkles of southern twang on "Speak EZ" to the gospel harmonies of "Only We Can Keep You From Harm" to the anthemic "Bury Me" Young Buffalo leave you wanting more, and we do. An impressive introduction that simply put stood out for all the right reasons, and we can't wait to hear more from the band in 2012. Young Buffalo - Bury Me by YoungBuffalo
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