Best EPs (*or Mini Albums) Of 2020
We are very excited to share our favourite EPs of 2020. This list comes with an asterisk because we decided to allow mini-albums into the mix. It’s a strange differentiator but some sticklers out there may argue the designation of some of these releases according to a specific set of rules for EPs. (This is a crazy topic on its own as rules have changed over the years and sometimes different countries will even have different EP guidelines!)
Anyway, if you want to argue one of these releases not being an EP… it’s a mini-album, therefore allowed on this list!
Without further ado… please take the time to read about, and listen to our favourite EPs (and mini-albums) of 2020 because although this year sucked ass, the music that was released was incredible.
#25 - Baseball Hero
Salvation Mountain // Broken Dreams Club
Self declared slo-pitch slowcore, Baseball Hero have a more authentic 90s sensibility and aesthetic than most who claim to. The 90s influence is heavily present, deeply ingrained in the sound in both clear and subtle ways. It feels like an almost religious dedication. Lovingly suburban. No matter how you listen to this, it'll be cassette tape.
- Joel Klaverkamp
#24 - Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Born Deadly // Independent
In any discussion of Canadian Hip-Hop, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, composed of Haisla rappers Young D and Yung Trybez, is not to be forgotten. Born Deadly, following their third studio album Traplines, continues to do everything that has made SNRK’s sound and message so popular and engaging. Old School and Electronic influences contribute to intricate production as the two rappers speak unabashedly and skillfully on the Indigenous experience, police brutality, and life in the rap game.
- Devon Acuña
#23 - WAKE
Confluence // Translation Loss Records
Calgary’s WAKE had already released a monstrous masterpiece of an album in early 2020, but that didn’t stop them from blessing us with a second offering of brutality in this rollercoaster of a year. Although their new EP, Confluence, is only three songs, it still clocks in at just over 23 minutes. The songs are pulverizing and Kyle’s distinct shrieks and howls are better than ever!
- Justin Olson
#22 - Amos The Kid
Mountain View // House Of Wonders
If you want to show someone what “Canadian music” sounds like, show them Amos The Kid’s Mountain View. Amos Nadlersmith’s songwriting pairs witty lyrics with the best of indie, country, and bar-rock vibes, making songs that just feel good without sacrificing any poetic depth. The production shines on this EP, with Yes We Mystic’s Adam Fuhr adding unpredictable shimmers of synth organs and unique drum stylings.
- Lana Winterhalt
#21 - summersets
small town saturday // Independent
If your job is collecting songs for artsy film soundtracks, then summersets’ EP small town saturday needs to be on your radar. Filed next to artists like Sufjan Stevens and Milk Carton Kids, summersets use angelic harmonies and lush, yet tasteful, instrumentation to challenge the indie folk banner. The enchanting blend of Kalle Mattson and Andrew Sowka’s vocals makes Small Town Saturday one of the prettiest EPs of 2020
- Devon Dozlaw
#20 - NASRA
S A L V E // Independent
NASRA’s musical debut in S A L V E is an inspired bit of work, translating the poetic forte of the artist – a widely renown poet and theatrical artist – over to a wide range of musical approaches moving between RnB, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Spoken Word. “Cinnamon” is the signature track in my listening experience but every song is thoughtful, insightful, and uncompromisingly compassionate. If we are blessed, we might see a follow up in the future.
- Simone A. Medina Polo
#19 - SUUNS
Fiction EP // Joyful Noise Recordings
Montreal-based SUUNS released FICTION EP into the world this fall, a twenty-minute thrill ride composed of old live recordings that previously hadn’t found a home in their rich discography. The songs are reworked into an amalgam of past and future, moving ever forward while delving within for inspiration. Several guests make memorable appearances across distorted aural landscapes, adding spice to this psilocybin-laced voyage. FICTION EP is a fever dream that hits hard.
- Nick Maas
#18 - Dump Babes
Self Titled // Independent
Folk-rock band, Dump Babes, released their debut self-titled EP February 12th of this year and it was everything we needed. Lots of up-tempo tunes that inspire dancing, dreamy vocals, and a warm guitar sound. “Malibu Baby” is a great example of this and includes catchy lyrics that are sure to stick in your head. A slower tune, “Party Trick”, seems to be a favourite from the EP and shows their diversity in sound.
- Holly-Anne Gilroy
#17 - Brain Bent
Obligatory Icebreaker // Independent
I’m not one to advocate panic or panicking. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I realized, after listening to Brain Bent’s Obligatory Icebreaker, that it’s not only okay to panic, but it’s in fact: TIME TO PANIC (oh my god!)!
Brain Bent is a finely oiled and tuned machine. Its inner core is comprised of Calgary rock scene veterans; its steel skin is encased in an armour of razor sharp guitar and synth bleeps. If Obligatory Icebreaker is any indication, Brain Bent is a force to be reckoned with.
- Alex Bennett
#16 - Merival
Either Side // Independent
Some things in this world are so captivating that they will stop you in your tracks, grabbing your full attention away as everything else is wizzing by and then the desire to rejoin the rat race will fade. Merival’s Either Side EP is this island of calm in a sea of chaos and confusion. Delicate instrumentation and Anna Horvath’s soothing voice will cause the constant barrage from both sides to simply melt away.
- Jeshaiah David
#15 - Stepping Stone
Escape From the Junkyard // Safe Inside Records
Stepping Stone have captured the hearts of the western Canadian hardcore scene for years and in June of 2020, they did it again with the mighty Escape From The Junkyard. The EP is infectiously groovy and heavy, and offers introspective lyrics delivered passionately by their fierce frontman Luke. This EP is still a daily listen for me, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!
- Justin Olson
#14 - Le Ren
Morning & Melancholia // Royal Mountain Records
When I first reviewed Morning & Melancholia by Montreal’s Le Ren I was moved by the rawness, and emotion of it. It was born out of grief, and carries the emotional release that is so needed in the face of loss. It struck a chord with my own losses. Bluegrass to help you heal. Death is not something we can escape in life but at least something beautiful was created out of the pain. This EP is definitely one of Canada’s best this year!
Love Always,
Green Noreen
#13 - FRIGS
RAVE AND RUPTURE IN MUSIC AS DISASTER // Independent
Available for only 48 hours on FRIGS’ Bandcamp page, RAVE AND RUPTURE IN MUSIC AS DISASTER is a release many missed, that all need to hear. It is a brooding fifteen minutes of post-punk that tip-toes a line between sensible and unhinged, leaving the listener breathless. The EP will be back up for sale in 2021 but until then the unlucky few with out it will have to “live off communion bread.”
- Jeshaiah David
#12 - Owen Davies
Slushy Farms // So Sorry Records
Slushy Farms is four tracks of whimsical folk-pop from Owen Davies, a nice follow up to last year’s great Lollipop Pumkinhead. Recorded in his parents’ farm in PEI, you can hear the mellow musings of a dude who’s got time to spend with his thoughts and surroundings. Owen’s voice is gentle, ethereal, like vapour escaping out of the whiskey and tea, but dynamic instrumentation keeps the cup steady on the old oak dresser. Let’s get cozy to this!
- JD Ormond
#11 - Brenna Lowrie
Loss Leader // Independent
Brenna Lowrie’s Loss Leader is an evocative 6-track EP that blends beautiful quick-picked guitar with soft, almost sacred vocals; some songs border on monastic, with chant-like melodies and huge cathedralesque reverberations. These songs expand traditional songwriting structures, allowing listeners to float into Lowrie’s themes of loss, grief, and letting go. Little production surprises of synth swells or light percussive elements are expertly used to fill out the open space.
- Lana Winterhalt
#10 - Orville Peck
Show Pony // Sub Pop
This six-track follow up by the masked marauder known as Orville Peck comes to us via Columbia Records, signalling a breakout for the young star after last year’s Pony which arrived on Sub Pop and introduced him to the world. The single “Legends Never Die,” a duet featuring none other than Shania Twain prominently, figures as the obvious focal point of the short album - at least from a commercial point of view. And the track is good. But while I mean no offense to the Canadian luminary whose 1997 masterpiece Come On Over has become the best-selling country album of all time, Show Pony is all about Orville Peck.
It reads like a journey - a lone cowboy on the road, stopping through romanticized Southern locales like Memphis and Louisiana, searching for his lost love… or maybe just love in the first place. The songs conjure themes of traveling, of highways, and of yearning. And even though these are oft-revisited themes in country music (Peck is not trying to redefine it, after all), the gifted songwriter brings humor and self-awareness to them. For example, “Drive Me, Crazy” subverts what would usually be one of the more tired platitudes of the genre, the image of a man’s man trucker hauling his big rig, by penning the song as a love anthem to the road. It even includes a goofy little sound bite at the end about making eye contact in the night with a fellow trucker, treating the encounter as if he were describing two lovelorn strangers exchanging glances across a crowded bar.
But this crooning mysterioso has a serious side too, and regardless of your tastes, his music is undeniably good. The last song is a stunning cover of industry pioneer Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy,” a story championing women’s liberation and empowerment wherein a young girl unashamedly becomes a sex worker at her sick mother’s behest in order to support them both, and ends up buying a mansion and a townhouse with her earnings. To hear Orville Peck sing the 1970 hit brings a smile to your face. He is poised for something great.
- Nick Maas
#9 - Hermitess
Celestial // Independent
People have always stood in awe and wonder at the vastness of our skies and what lies beyond the here and now. Calgary singer-songwriter and harpist, Jennifer Crighton, who is known as Hermitess, explores this shared human experience on Celestial and conveys how the unknown really is our common ground. The EP which moves from Phone Calls, to a Space Walk, documents great leaps in human progress over a short period of time. This rapid progression has been experienced by everyone and has only left us with more questions about our existence and what else is out there.
Hermitess set out on this journey of exploration with a good team behind her that includes; production work by Chris Dadge and Danny Vescarelli, mixing by Rena Kozak, mastering by Elisa Pangsaeng, backing vocals by Laura Leif, saxaphone by Nate Waters, rhythm and synthesizing by Aria Janzen, pedal steel by Wane Garrett, bass guitar by Keith Rodger, drums and percussion by Chris Dadge and drums by Melissa McWilliams. With a group of stargazers such as this in the fold, Hermitess’ “celestial” mission was set for lift off.
With a harp as the main driver of each song, Celestial assumes an ethereal feel that is only deepened by the creative use of a wide array of instruments. Each unique sound in the mix adds to the collective observations of the universe while Crighton sings about strange things and satellites before the final track carries us out to the stars.
- Jeshaiah David
#8 - Ghost Woman
Beat It, Kook // JBK Records
One of the biggest local bands of my hometown, Ghost Woman, has had a busy year of recording in the absence of live appearances. Recently they published their new full-length album Anne, If, but back in May they also released a 4-track EP that has (evidently) proved popular among the writers of Cups n Cakes. Frontman Evan Uschenko appears to have employed the same ancient recording equipment used while he co-produced and played on Skinny Dyck’s Get to Know Lonesome, and the result is just as anachronistic as the aforementioned country artist’s output if not even moreso. Every aspect of this album barring the lack of press photo and lettering on the cover art sounds straight out of the British Invasion era of the early to mid-1960s, which also happens to be one of my personal favourite periods of any phase in popular music history. Put into greater detail: The tinny frequency response due to the primitive equipment. The vocals and instruments audibly clipping due to the tape’s recording limitations. The ghostly (no pun intended) spring reverb. The simple party-friendly songwriting about trying to get with a girl (or bailing out at the sight of her boyfriend in the case of “I Wanna Know”). The vocal harmonies in “Love You So”. The use of blues scales. The percussive and staccato sound of the guitar plucking, especially on the solos. The energetic dance beats. And of course, Evan’s signature retro guitar style. Were you to toss any one of the tracks of this EP into a period playlist, hardly a soul not already familiar with Ghost Woman would be able to tell that something was off, and that’s what we love about it.
- Ty Vanden Dool
#7 - Eliza Niemi
Glass // Vain Mina
2020 forced a lot of musicians to make the difficult choice to sit patiently on completed projects, postponing releases and shows alike until the opportunity to travel is once again in sight. Luckily, for us, Toronto based Eliza Niemi (formerly of the charming indie-pop outfit Mauno) chose to release her second solo EP Glass in April of this year. An impressive follow up to 2019’s Vinegar, these songs stay true to Niemi’s relaxed and expressive vocal style, but come bearing new stories of lovers, past and present, as well as self-reflection. There is a simplicity, maturity and simultaneous complexity to the arrangement of each track, which feels like a very personal and special phenomenon to witness.
Beautiful string arrangements encompass subtle guitar and dancing vocal melodies that flow and follow one another on tracks like “R1” and title track “Glass”. This harmonious movement of lyrics and strings brings us on a small detour, away from the rest of the song momentarily, before dropping back into a beautifully narrated story. Niemi’s subtle nuances create a dream-like soundtrack feel, especially on the shortest track of the EP “Flip”, which holds steady with a consistent and light guitar riff, minimal percussion, and warm, purring bass tones.
Glass departs on a lighter note with the big fun finale track, “Big Fun Party”. The song leads with guitar tones reminiscent of all the best 90’s movie soundtracks, but quickly turns to introduce a flourishing string arrangement, floating romance and vulnerability back into the last moments of this collection.
One of the best Canadian releases of the year, Glass serves lyrical creativity and exquisite storytelling. Niemi’s voice perfectly compliments the calm and complex string section, and a clean and well executed mix allows every sound on this project to be enjoyed both individually and collectively by those lucky enough to hear it.
- LG
#6 - Sinzere
Buy Back The Block // Unsigned Hype
“Banger”
noun
1. a song with a loud, energetic beat that is good for dancing
If there was anything we needed the most during the depths of the lockdown this year, it was something that was loud. Something that would allow us to feel more than just the confusion and solitude of isolation. Something that made us feel united in passion and fortitude. I might be getting preachy here, and don’t even really know what I’m talking about, but I do know that what we needed was Sinzere, and Sinzere delivered.
In April, the Sinzere belted out her anthem to buy back the block in the form of a 6-track EP titled – well – Buy Back The Block. BBTB is a standout piece from the rising Calgary-based hip-hop artist, showing the full force of her talent and creativity. Though the lockdown may have slowed down most of the world, it didn’t stop Sinzere from staying connected to her community, and using the momentum of her EP to set the stage for her next release, Girl, a 3-track mini EP that did not falter in showcasing the rapper’s exponential growth.
BBTB is laced with fire track after fire track, and it always seems to make you feel that perhaps you’re not listening to it loud enough. Sinzere matches unique beats with an impeccable ability to weave through rhymes in a way that pays homage to old-school hip-hop while making you feel like you’ve stumbled on something new.
In summary, there’s just a whole lot of good in this 2020 release – a whole 19 minutes and 20 seconds of good, to be exact.
- Carly Weiler
#5 - Daniel Romano
Super Pollen // Independent
From its opening seconds, Super Pollen by Daniel Romano absolutely sparkles with exuberance. If you’re feeling down in these times (which you almost certainly are), give this excellent EP by one of Canada’s best janglers a spin and it will cure what ails you. It’s a serious mood uplifter and a nugget of rock ‘n’ roll wisdom. Romano’s sound is an astute and fresh interpretation of his forebears, with a Tom Petty “You Wreck Me” kind of swagger that feels at home in a cowboy hat but isn’t limited to one. Indeed, Super Pollen bristles with youthful punk energy that plays off both country tropes as well as more pop-oriented songwriting tricks.
Romano’s upper-register voice is infectious and bang-on, occupying the same space as his garage-y guitar sounds and driving the music forward confidently in tandem with the rhythm section. It brings that specific grin-grimace to your face - the same expression you don when watching an insane one-handed wide receiver grab, or a gnarly skateboard trick that defies belief. It falls right into the sweet spot. And what a rhythm section it is! The boisterous drumming on Super Pollen brings the songs to life and elevates them to full power. Blistering snare rolls combine with cleverly-wrought guitar parts that mirror the vocal lines, creating a wall of sound that leaves nothing to be desired.
And since this heady mix of old and new wouldn’t be complete without some searing lead guitar solos, the band has willingly obliged tradition. But the licks themselves seem to pay homage to 80’s hair metal more than pop-punk or country, eschewing easy classification with their glister and shine. Some highlights are the title track, which kickstarts this party of an EP (and has an awesome bridge), “Still Hate Cops,” and “Laura Doesn’t Like Her Haircut.” These last two contain face-melting solos and enough irreverent frivolity to get you through to 2021. Well done, Daniel and company.
- Nick Maas
#4 - Mother Tongues
Everything You Wanted // Buzz Records
So it’s fair to say 2020 hasn’t been everyone’s favourite cup of tea, but I remain an optimist and choose to see the silver lining on this cloud. The music that came out this year was pretty mind blowing. It allowed one to escape the down and outs of living in a Covid world…. at least a short time.
Everything You Wanted by Mother Tongues is really everything you wanted in an EP. They took me on a psychedelic trip where time and space have no hold on me. An unbelievable journey where I could allow the music to carry me away, just let go, and flow.
Mother Tongues is rooted in Toronto, Ontario, and is quite well known in the Toronto music scene. They’ve toured North America and played some serious festivals. Their live performances carry an electric energy (although I’ve only seen recorded footage, but that energy certainly carries through the screen).
“Eternity” has a fantastical music video. I say that because it reminds me of something out of a Piers Anthony novel. These times have an uncanny resemblance to the happenings in the novel, and I feel that is worth mentioning again since my last review of them. I believe in mystical realms, and I believe there is a lot of magic we are only now becoming aware of.
“Let You Down” has an upbeat tempo, and super groovy keyboards. The soft songbird vocals give it a delicate feel. Still some golden grungy guitars. Very catchy vibe, and the earworm of the EP.
“Fortunes” is definitely a favourite for the hypnotic feel. The guitar on this track is so mesmerizing, very sensual, and sexy. I had read that Mother Tongues writes music for the listener. I can clearly feel that through this song, and the whole EP. It truly is an experience.
We all needed to escape this year in a healthy constructive way. I escaped through this EP time and time again. We need our minds to have a little mental health break, and music is the right medicine for that. It allows that healthy escape and release that we all need. To me that makes Mother Tongues Everything You Wanted the Best EP of 2020! Thank you for the healthy release Mother Tongues!
Love Always,
Green Noreen
#3 - Aladean Kheroufi
Beauty Beyond Grief // Keeping On Records
Since his late teen years, Edmonton’s beloved Aladean Kheroufi has been one of the city’s most active musicians. Building his reputation first as a bass player, Kheroufi quickly became Edmonton’s indie scene’s go-to for that instrument. His contributions range from Folk-Americana to didgeridoo-psych and you can bet he has played on nearly everything in between. After several years of steady touring in numerous projects, and returning from an extended stay in New York, Kheroufi shifted his focus into his solo ambitions. He soon launched Keeping On Records, and began performing his own tunes, taking on the role of a front-person for the first time. If his debut singles “Sorry If I Hurt You” and its B-Side “Nothing Ever Changes” provided an idea of Kheroufi’s soulful sound, Beauty Beyond Grief shows us the inspiration. The EP consists of covers of three songs Kheroufi holds close to his heart.
The EP opens with Kheroufi’s take on Jackie Shane’s “Any Other Way.” The minimal approach to Kheroufi’s take is guided by piano and Kheroufi’s croons. The slowed tempo along with Kheroufi’s vocal performance gives the lyrics a deeper meaning and earnestness that could be lost in the original’s up beat hook.
“Good,” a half cover, was previously released on Ghost Woman’s 2019 self-titled album, with Kheroufi contributing to the writing. But while Ghost Woman’s version is centered around a meandering guitar lead, Kheroufi’s version leans more into its reformed melody. He’s accompanied by the warm tones of his rhodes and a delicate beat till the whirring synths and organ make you feel like you're falling weightlessly through space. While quite different than the original, Kheroufi reaches the laid back somber mood of its predecessor.
The EP closes with a cover of Arthur Conley’s “Take a Step,” marking a more positive shift in the EP and see’s Kheroufi at his most suave. The track makes a dreamy plea to take a step in Kheroufi’s direction as he asks “If you’re looking for someone to hold you tight//who will walk you to your doorstep each and every night?” The laid back beat of the congas make for a perfect way to soothe yourself out of the EP.
Aladean Kheroufi’s Beauty Beyond Grief is a laid back collection of love songs that coming through Kheroufi feel more honest than ever justly making the EP one of Cups N Cakes favourites of the year.
- Kennedy Pawluk
#2 - Cayley Thomas
How Else Can I Tell You? // Independent
The albums that stand out are usually the ones where we feel invited into the musical world the artist has created, where they’ve brought us along on their clear vision, unique brand or themes, and of course, unforgettable pairings of lyrical self-expression and sonic ingenuity. Cayley Thomas creates this world on her 2020 EP How Else Can I Tell You?
Through only five songs, Thomas creates a ginormous atmosphere for listeners to walk around in, or grab a drink and a have a seat on the orange floral couch. In some ways this album feels like it’s straight out of the 70s, with Thomas’ mature vocals, dancing bass lines and delicate piano arrangements, yet in other ways it feels completely new, with modern storytelling and exceptional production that takes multiple listens to dissect all that’s going on sonically. As soon as you settle into a groove with a more percussively-driven song like “Midnight Hours”, Thomas switches it up with an absolute summer jam, “Sunshine”, led by strong rhythm guitar and a wailing organ. There are no “filler” songs on this EP; everything is perfectly tailored to stand out and leave a lasting impact. We get an honest look into Thomas’ lived experiences and her reckoning with herself; she is older and wiser, but she is also continuing to grapple with huge, life-altering events, like the death of her brother which she explores on “In a While”; the most breathtaking song on the album. Thomas ponders what her brother’s life would be like if he was still on Earth. We feel her pain, and in turn our own, and grow together towards a deeper understanding of life. This world Thomas has created is one that you can taste, feel, smell, and most importantly, one that you will want to stay in for a very, very long time.
- Lana Winterhalt
#1 - Body Lens
BL Mini // Independent
You know an EP is great when its nearly unanimously voted as the best EP of 2020 by the Cups N Cakes writing team which is made up of music fans partaking in all sorts of different genres. Hailing from Lethbridge, Body Lens released what we’ve deemed the best EP of 2020 in the form of BL Mini. The release builds upon the tightly wound post punk sound of their self titled album released back in 2019 to critical acclaim.
Between the vocals that are a mix between Peter Murphy and Mark E Smith and the memorable hooks courtesy of the band’s well-oiled rhythm section, BL Mini sees the group getting more confident in honing in their gothic post punk sound. The first two tracks “BLP” and “Fading” showcase the darker and gloomier side of Body Lens while the mood gets lighter and slightly up-tempo with “Ikon” (initially released on Cups n Cakes Compilation Vol 1) and especially the last track “Meter” where the rapturous news broadcast-like vocals are wrapped in a shiny almost punk-funk style of instrumentation. It’s as if they’ve unbuttoned a couple of the buttons off their proverbial black trench coats to reveal the brightly coloured threads inside. BL Mini’s playful and colourful artwork is a further hint that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Additionally, the EP was released physically in the form of cheeky mini CDs that may or may not even play in your standard CD player. This “outside the box” approach combined with their unique sound leaves no room for Body Lens to be mistaken for other post punk groups out there. BL Mini serves as a great teaser for what to expect from Body Lens in 2021.
- Piyush Patel
