We’ve already shared our top full-length records of the past 12 months, now it’s time to look back over our favourite shorter releases…

Spielbergs – ‘Distant Star‘

The Norwegian trio’s EP marked them out as ones to watch with its Guided by Voices-meets-Beach Slang power pop.

Sœur – ‘Fight‘

The Bristol band are already a live favourite with so many music fans after their relentless touring schedule and the ‘Fight’ EP did not disappoint. A band with plenty to say, they wrap their addictive pop songs around with dirty grunge-tinged riffs.

Orchards – ‘Losers/Lovers‘

We started running regularly in the summer and had this EP full of addictive math-pop songs pretty much on repeat while working through the Couch to 5k programme. Orchards make catchy, fun, intelligent and danceable songs that instantly lift your mood.

Youth Man – ‘Five Songs‘

Now signed to Alcopop! after previous releases with Venn, Youth Man’s simply titled ‘Five Songs’ found the punk-rockers veering into more experimental and expansive territory – but without losing any of the aggression, ferocity and darkness that make them such an electrifying proposition.

Joe Booley – ‘Movements‘

Spectral Nights favourite (and occasional contributor) Joe Booley released his most ambitious work yet with the sprawling ‘Movements’. With influences veering from post rock to Julien Baker, the poignant five-piece track found Joe opening up about his mental health and anxiety and the closing ‘Movements 5’ – already a live favourite – considered the importance of talking to others when you feel they are in a dark place: ‘I will try to fix your life. And I will try to make things right