As 2024 winds down, the indie music scene has been packed with creativity, delivering incredible EPs that have captured the hearts of indie fans up and down the UK.
Here are the top 10 indie EPs that defined ThisIsTheMusic’s 2024.
LOCK- IN – On To The Next
A mesmerising EP, full of groove laden-riffs, funky rhythms, infectious melodies and relatable lyrics about being young, that sounds vibrant and refreshing. The lyrics are honest and relatable focussing on modern life. Known for their infectious energy, this release sees the Herts 6-piece exploring new territories while retaining their knack for crafting crowd-pleasing anthems. This release solidifies Lock-In as one of the UK’s most exciting, emerging indie-pop acts and provides a vibrant snapshot of a group hitting their stride and ready for whatever comes next.
Maze – Life Is What You Make Of It
The London-based indie outfit Maze outdid themselves with Life Is What You Make Of It. This EP is testament to the band’s ability to craft deeply reflective lyrics paired with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes. Tracks like the title track, serves as a poignant and uplifting anthem, whilst Passage Of Time explores themes of nostalgia, regret and hope. Each song showcases Maze’s ability for crafting songs that are both personal and universally relatable and is a testament to the band’s continued growth and artistic vision.
San Quentin – Jay
Delving into themes of mental health, this EP carries a powerful message on a taboo subject. Drawing inspiration from mixtapes from Eminem and Plan B, this sound track introduces us to Charlie, a character tormented by schizophrenia. Jay, the titular antagonist represents the destructive voice in Charlie’s mind. Musically we are introduced to gritty riffs and pounding drums which create a dark punk rock soundscape, full of tension, that marks a departure from the Southend bands previous indie rock sounds, whilst matching the weight of the subject. The accompanying short film, really enhances the message being delivered across the EP (you might recognise the Doctor) and, whilst it’s not an easy listen, it starts an important discussion around this social issue and marks San Quentin as a band to watch.
Marseille – Godiva
2024 has been a big breakthrough through for the Derby 5-piece and has see them continue to make significant strides in their musical evolution. They’ve delivered two big headline tours, wowed crowds with their appearance at IOW and signed a new record contract. This EP showcases Marseille’s growth and versatility, blending influences from 90s Britpop and shoegaze with their unique style. Whilst other bands stick to the radio friendly 3/4 minute formula, Marseille, continue to push boundaries by releasing songs that are 6/7 minutes long, which showcase the quality of musicianship within the band and showcase and ensures this EP is a compelling listen.
The Clause – Weekend Millionaire
Delving into themes of youth, identify and modern life, this 5-track EP, is full of soaring riffs and driving rhythms and resonates with an ever growing fan base. With high energy anthems like Weekend Millionaire, to the emotional Fever Dream and the reflective Never Ending Affair, this EP has the sound of a band ready to head into the stratosphere.
The Great Leslie – Repeat Repeat Repeat
Having flown past 20k streams, since its release, the new EP heralds a new era for the London indie rockers. Delivering an urgent and politically charged sound, The Great Leslie address social and contemporary issues with plenty of passion and freedom. No Future is the standout track, thanks to its directness and dynamic energy. With a second support slot with Franz Ferdinand in 2025, the time is now set to listen to The Great Leslie!
The Sonnet – The Sonnet
With its thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic instrumentals, the debut EP represents the first body of work from the south Wales 4-piece and is simply a must listen. A Call To Arms is a strutting opener, with a huge anthemic chorus, whilst the closer Psychedelic Baby, is a real introspective, shoe-gazing epic. This may have been the bands first release, but the future looks incredibly bright for this promising band.
The Strifes – Anthems That Killed The Youth Of Yesterday
Packed full of energetic indie anthems that take you on a journey through the highs and lows of being young, wrapped in soaring guitar riffs, driving rhythms and heartfelt lyricism. Standout tracks include Poster Boy, (anthemic chorus and infectious riffs) and Something New (relentless energy, designed for pogoing)
The Rogues – 1963 Live At Rockfield Studios
The Newport 5-piece, delivered an electrifying debut EP that was recorded in its entirety at the legendary Rockfield Studios, and was produced by Nick Brine (Oasis and The Stone Roses). The EP masterfully captures the band’s raw energy and authenticity of their live shows, their infectious melodies and frontman Andrew Flannelly’s captivating vocal. The EP oozes indie rock anthems, in the form of the lively opener 1963, funky groove of Oh Gena (sounding like David Bowie) to the anthemic Chemical Dream, shows a band able to craft memorable dynamic songs. The decision to record live has paid off and acts as a double introduction to a band who are well and truly on the rise.
The Ritz -The Ties That Bind
An indie rock triumph that solidifies their position as one of the most exciting emerging indie bands. Across its 6 songs, theirs themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, wrapped in a soundscape thats part nostalgic and part modern. Frontman and songwriter Robbie Joyce, has a happy knack for writing relatable lyrics and infectious melodies, driven by Finley Armitage’s pulsating and intricate guitar riffs and Seb Cook-Abott’s bass anchors the bands dynamic sound expertly. Overall this EP blends energetic indie rock with moments of heartfelt vulnerability. It’s a debut that not only captures the band’s current creative peak but also hints at even greater things to come.
Check out the playlist which features all 10 of ThisIsTheMusic Top 10 EPS of 2024
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