The Backlog: End Of June: The EP Episode
A focus on the perennially underrated medium.
Perhaps the advent of the streaming era has created this new reality. Cause aside, the EP has grown from being the tweener of the music world, and is now a critical part of an artist's arsenal. Granted the EP is still often used lazily. Labels love to package together a few pre-release songs into a bundle to juice streams. That doesn't really excite me. However, when an artist takes advantage of the shorter medium and crafts something tight and cohesive, the shorter runtime makes it magical. Sticking tightly to one theme over a ten or twelve song album often leads to a dulling of the thematic impact. In unskilled hands, repetition kicks in. An EP rarely suffers from those problems. This edition of The Backlog will focus exclusively on a variety of EP's. There is much to be found in this oft ignored medium. The shorter length of the projects lent itself to concise commentary. There’s some great stuff out there begging to be discovered. Let’s hop in!
(A quick reminder of the subgenre descriptions.
Traditional Country
Country Rock
Modern Country
Pop Country
Southern Pop)
Drake Milligan- Jukebox Songs
Subgenre: 1, 3
Tracks: 4
Time: 12 min.
Mellow, warm vocals meets a short and tight four song ep of neotraditional country executed about as good as you get nowadays. Writing could have used a few more drafts but Milligan’s delivery goes quite far in fixing that.
Favorite: Don’t Leave Me Loving You
Least Favorite: What I Couldn't Forget
William Michael Morgan- Onto Something
Subgenre: 1, 3
Tracks: 6
Time: 23 min.
A welcome comeback for the young-but-seasoned neotraditionalist. Top-tier production, vocals, and execution. Even a couple surprises. Mellifluous and heartfelt. No big idea on the record, but each song hits what it aimed.
Favorite: Not Letting Go, In Walked You:
Least Favorite: Pour A Little Whiskey On It (I still love the song, it's like Jon Pardi's tasteful pop country dalliances. Still it sticks out the most from the otherwise cohesive EP)
Dylan Gossett- Songs In The Gravel
Subgenre: 3, 1
Tracks: 4
Time: 14 min.
A short EP showcasing more of the fine songwriting and emotive delivery Gossett is quickly becoming known for. Nothing individual stands out as it did on his previous EP. This feels more like a setup for an album later this year, so I will withhold judgment.
Favorite: Bitter Winds
Least Favorite: Finally Stop Dreaming
Joe Stamm- Alleghanny
Subgenre: 2, 3
Tracks: 4
Time: 18 min.
Rough hewn Appalachian folk that splits the difference between the gruff and folksy melodic mumbles of Charles Wesley Godwin and the outspoken and revealing outlaw expressionism of Ward Davis. Gripping and majestic even with the short length.
Favorite: When The Lilacs Bloom
Least Favorite: None. It is a four song EP. All easily could be on an end of the year list
Ian Munsick- White Buffalo (Introduce You To God)
Subgenre: 3, 4, 2
Tracks: 5/23
Time: 1:23 sorta
A short thematic expansion of the experimental and intriguing White Buffalo. It fits well and provides a further glimpse into the fascinating story of Ian Munsick. The strengths (perspective, storytelling, experimental arrangements) are the same as the album, and the weaknesses (vocals, experimental arrangements) are as well.
Favorite: Introduce You To God
Least Favorite: Boots, Buckles & Bolo’s
Payton Porter- Grown
Subgenre: 4, 2, 3
Tracks: 6
Time: 23 min.
Needed sonic change from her past. It feels much more aligned. Presenting a folk rock inspired Americana with just enough grit and pop taste for fans of her older material, Porter provides a sharp dose of wit and perspective that resonates.
Favorite: Lemonade
Least Favorite: High Ground
Elijah Wise- Honky Tonkin’ At Home
Subgenre: 1
Tracks: 6
Time: 18 min.
Imagine if Zach Top was even more country. A delighful slice of proper country music.
Favorite: Looking For Another You
Least Favorite: She Never Liked Country
Redferrin- Old No. 7
Subgenre: 5, 4
Tracks: 7
Time: 20 min.
Songwriter most known for hip-hop/country fusion tries his hand at singing. The result is an identity-less attempt to either find himself as an artist, or more likely to find an audience niche within the mainstream tent. Neither seems to have been accomplished.
Favorite: Jack And Diet Coke
Least Favorite: Champagne In The Morning
Cooper Alan- Feel Like Hell Today
Subgenre: 4, 3
Tracks: 3
Time: 9 min.
TikTok star attempts to transfer witty social media presence into an EP and doesn't stick the landing. Without visual aid, the material feels too hokey to click.
Favorite: Drop Of July
Least Favorite: Feel Like Hell Today
Hope you enjoyed. If you have any music recommendations or feedback, please leave a comment or reach out via email to Today I Heard blog at gmail . com.
Thanks,
Joe