Top Five EPs of 2017

EXMAID - NEUROTIC FANTASIES
Split between NJ and Philly, Exmaid released its debut EP this summer via State Champion Records. Exmaid is the newest band led by prolific singer/songwriter and drummer/guitarist Miranda Taylor of Black Wine, Hunchback, Full of Fancy and Noun. This tape features five new songs written by Taylor and one traditional folk song, "Once I Had a Sweetheart." Recorded a capella, this cover resonates a sense of loneliness with an eerily-haunting conviction. Taylor's songs have a dream-pop/psych element with moments of surf and stoner rock, but underlying is her signature pop songwriting with a hint of ethereal darkness and mystery.

SUPERCRUSH - I'VE BEEN AROUND B/W BRUTAL HONESTY

Seattle's Supercrush released its third in a string of 7''s this year, "I've Been Around"/"Brutal Honesty," officially out in January 2018 on Debt Offensive and Painter Man Records. In keeping consistent with its previous releases, this one echoes the band's signature shoegaze/dream pop sensibilities. The band released a video for this single, reminiscent of early '90s skate videos. As with its prior singles, the band leaves its small-but-loyal fan base starving for a full length. Supercrush blends indie/slacker-rock sounds of '90s bands like The Lemonheads, Teenage Fanclub and Smudge, while maintaining a driving awareness to its many catchy pop/rock hooks.

SUPERCHUNK - I GOT CUT B/W UP AGAINST THE WALL

This year, Superchunk stealthily released a 7'' of a brand new song with a cover by the Tom Robinson Band. "I Got Cut," which will be featured on its upcoming full length, 'What a Time To Be Alive,' was released as a benefit for the Southern Poverty Law Center and Planned Parenthood. The title track is a driving blend of indie and pop-punk that's over and done with in less than three minutes. Superchunk breathes new life into "Up Against the Wall," a song by late-'70s British punks, The Tom Robinson Band. Taking on a political disposition, this cover touches on fascists, rebellion and panic and reminds us of what we're still fighting against.

THE MITES - ASPHALT OCEAN

San Antonio's The Mites released its first 7'' single since 2014 earlier this year. Drenched in lo-fi shoegaze, The Mites released this three-song slab of dreamy power pop alongside labelmates Supercrush on Painter Man Records. "Brianna" is a pop-laden track of melancholic reflection. The songs on this most recent release buzz with fuzzy guitars, swooning vocals and a type of grit that's surprisingly smooth, all-too-easily palatable and reminiscent of bands like The Juliana Hatfield Three and Ride.

TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET - GOIN' BACK TO WYO B/W WALKING THE YARD

This 7'' via Fat Wreck is the band's first release of new material with drummer Darren Chewka (Old Wives). Released in tandem with its latest LP, 'Stealing the Covers,' this two-song pop-punk slab features one new song from each of its lead vocalists, Kody Templeman and Ray Carlisle. The title track is Carlisle's homage to his home state of Wyoming, not leaving out nods to the cold weather and drug addicts. "Walking the Yard" by Templeman is a Ramones-core ripper about a convict missing his lover. This release doesn't take itself too seriously, and does a great job of holding its fans over until a much-anticipated release of full-length material.