While the focus of year end retrospectives is typically slanted toward full length albums, there have been some wonderful noteworthy EPs released this year that are not to be missed. Here are a dozen to consider.
Click on the cover art to discover/order any album and scroll down to listen to a sample from each.
Ambient/Downtempo
This group features Jon Hopkins “decelerated, dreamlike re-imaginings” of tracks from his acclaimed “Immunity” album ;lush and mellifluous ambient electronica from Northcape; the gently cinematic contemplations of Steve Gibbs, and an abstract re-imagining of a mythic story by reel-to-reel wizard Tomonari Nozaki.
 Aslep Versions Jon Hopkins Domino Recording |
 Glasshouse Northcape Sun Sea Sky |
 Adrift Steve Gibbs Independent |
 The Fall of Icarus Tomonari Nozaki Taalem |
‘Form by Firelight (with Raphaelle Standell)’ by Jon Hopkins
‘Glasshouse’ by Northcape
‘Adrift’ by Steve Gibbs
‘Falling Into the Sky’ by Tomonari Nozaki
Modern Classical
This group features an exquisite 2 track excursion from Deaf Center; mesmerizing collaborations between composer Lucy Claire, vocalist Alev Lenz and ambient artist Bruised Skies; a sublime duet between cellist Peter Gregson and pianist/composer Michael Price, and a plaintive journey through the Italian country side with Halo.
 Recount Deaf Center Sonic Pieces |
 Collaborations No.1 Lucy Claire This Is It Forever |
 Berlin 1-3 Peter Gregson & Michael Price Taalem |
 Song of the Highest Tower Halo A Strangely Isolated Place |
‘Follow Still’ by Deaf Center
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‘Somnus ft. Bruised Skies’ by Lucy Claire
‘Berlin 1’ by Peter Gregson and Michael Price
‘The Inner Realm’ by Halo
Post Rock/Instrumental
This group features glacial soundscapes created by elegant electronic & post rock artists North Atlantic Drift and ambient metal guitar duo Northumbria; a bright and melodic set from Swedish band Seas of Years; a playful, yet deceptively complex collection of tunes from Hairpin Turns, and a lively, groove-laden take on post rock by Canadian trio You Are An Explorer.
 Split North Atlantic Drift/Northumbria Polar Seas Recordings |
 Drifting Ever Shifting Seas of Years Independent |
 Here Come the Tephra Jets Hairpin Turns Independent |
 S/T You Are An Explorer Independent |
‘Ursa Major’ by North Atlantic Drift
‘Ledge’ by Seas of Years
‘Tephra Jets’ by Hairpin Turns
‘My Name is Drftwood’ by You Are an Explorer
Stationary Travels 