ThisIsTheMusic

2023 has been a great year for the indie/new music scene and as fans we’ve been treated to some fantastic releases this year.

I’ve compiled a list of my 20 favourite EPs of the year, covering 1st January to 1st December 2023. Have a read below and hopefully you mind find an artist that you’ve not come across before. As always continue to support the independent scene, share their music and catch them at a gig if you can and maybe buy some merch too!

The Dream Machine – Children, My England

Full of shimmering guitars, soaring melodies infectious melodies and psychedelia in abundance, the 4-piece from the Wirral started off 2023 with a huge statement of intent and showed why they are ready to climb to the top of indie scene.

Shambolics – U Serious Boi?!

Full of timeless indie pop classics, Shambolics debut EP is full of attitude and relatable lyrics about modern life and wanting more as a young person growing up. A strong collection of indie guitar anthems. Debut album out next year, their time is now to shine.

San Quentin – Feed The Ego

In just two years, San Quentin have established themselves as one of the most sought after bands on the indie scene. Regularly hitting the festival circuit and selling out headline shows, they are a force to be reckoned with. The debut EP is packed full of anthemic choruses, catchy guitar hooks and relatable lyrics. An electrifying powerhouse of indie rocknroll.

Marseille Freedom

One of two EPs released by the Derby 5-piece this year, which shows their incredible output and wealth of tunes they are sitting on. Freedom is explosive, full of highly addictive guitar riffs, pounding drums, thunderous bass lines and plenty of swagger. A rocknroll band that the worlds been waiting for.

The Kairos – Better Late Than Never

An electrifying debut EP, full of swagger and self-belief that cements the view that The Kairos are at the forefront of the new music scene. Their live shows are simply stunning. A band certain to be playing arenas before long.

Rosellas – Somewhere Inbetween

Soaring guitar anthems, with infectious choruses, driving rhythms and relatable lyrics about modern life. With a debut album landing in 2024, the Manchester 5-piece are set to enthral old fans and newcomers alike.

Rolla – Nothing Less Than Nothing

Rolla confirmed their status as one of the most exciting rocknroll bands around with the release of their debut EP, which shot to #1 in the ITunes chart. It’s enthralling from start to finish, full of power, colossal grooves and huge choruses that give each track an anthemic edge.

This Is War – Rotten

From rousing punk influenced songs to stripped back acoustic tracks the debut EP from the Liverpool 5-piece has got everything you want. Plenty of passion, stunning guitar hooks and a powerful vocal performance.

The Chase – Bonza Bonanza

Bringing a plethora of influences from ska, and music hall, to indie pop and Britpop, Bonza Bonanza is bursting with energy, singalong choruses and shows why they are a band that always deliver and get the party started.

Set In Stone – I’ll Do It Alone

Dreamy melodies, bursting with energy and snarling vocals, this is a must listen for anyone looking for a captivating musical experience.

SHADE – Interstellar

Four tunes of monumental proportions, full of swagger and attitude that wouldn’t sound out of place in stadiums, which is surely where this 4-piece from Manchester are heading.

Grace Calver – My Life And It’s Disasters

Packed full of tales about Grace’s life and it’s disasters, this EP is full of dreamy guitars, relatable lyrics and full of emotion, that have seen her support The Lottery Winners and Leah Weller.

Brother Vice – Another Day On Earth

Fast paced indie rock from the Northern Ireland 4-piece which has captivated fans imagination with their infectious melodies and singalong choruses.

Jonny Ash – Did You Get Involved?

Pulsating, energetic and bruising debut EP from the welsh wizards. There’s plenty of sizzling riffs and thunderous drumming throughout, that will have you jumping around and craving a Jonny Ash live show. It’s no holes barred rocknroll.

Capes – Know Your Onions

Wirh the release of their debut EP and first major UK festival appearance, 2023 has been a great year for Capes. Know Your Onions is a great collection of songs, with stadium ready riffs, grooving bass lines and roaring vocals throughout. It’s open, honest rocknroll that packs a punch.

The Great Leslie – 21st Century Problems

2023 has been a great year for The Great Leslie. Two EPs and the recording of a live album at Abbey Road has well and truly put the 4-piece on the map. 21st Century Problems is an EP that tackles big issues such as climate change, immigration and asylum mental health, misogyny and violence against women. Each song is bursting with energy, and hard hitting lyrics. The musicianship on display is of the highest order.

The Clause – Pop Culture

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting bands on the indie scene. The debut EP is full of singalong choruses, relatable lyrics and covers musical genre’s from funk to indie rock and everything in-between. If big melodies and classic songwriting is your thing then you’ll love Pop Culture.

Albion – The Rooms Where Songs Were Made

Exploring themes of love and friendship, this 4-track EP is a collection of heartfelt and emotional songs, packed with guitars, keys, mandolins and harmonica from a collection of highly skilled musicians who have created a rich tapestry of sound.

Noise – Not Until Tomorrow Night

Explosive indie rock, with infectious lyrics, full of toe-tapping indie bangers and introspective, powerful acoustic ballads exploring feelings of alienation and the darker side of life. Class musicianship on display throughout, this is an EP that you’ll be wanting to listen to time and time again.

Nick Tudor – Folk Devil

A solo artist who has gone seriously under the radar, which when you listen to these collection of tunes, it makes no sense. Folk Devil is a collection of five heartfelt and emotional singles that each tell a story based on personal experiences. Nick is a master of his craft and there are no weak songs across the EP.

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The ThisIsTheMusic Top 20 EPs of 2023 playlist can be found here.

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Check out the ThisIsTheMusic New Music 2023 Playlist on Spotify

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