EPs / Singles of 2018

These are the EPs that did it for us in 2018, it was hard to get it down to ten, what do you think is missing?

10. Kyoto Jazz Sextet – Rising (Ron Trent remix)

Taken from a 2017 Blue Note album, picked up by Local Talk for a little remix action. Ron keeps most of the original elements in check, adding a little of his trademark house thump and keys. One for the end of the night.

9. Ultramarine – Breathing

A lovely little hypnotic taster of a forthcoming album from Ultramarine, who’ve been in the game since the early 90s. These are apparently early versions so a turn differently when the album arrives. The title track with it’s haunting sax is an absolute beauty.

8. Linkwood – Fresh Gildans

Kicking off with a super-charged electrofunk belter of a tune in ‘Fresh Gildans’, this is another great release from the Firecracker label. The varied b-side jams are not to be ignored either. Linkwood’s other release, ‘Night Theatre Volume One’ EP is also worthy of your attention.

7. 30/70 – Elevations

Rhythm Section put together a great remix package for Australian soul band 30/70. As well as the remixes there is a little stripped back live track. All the remixes on offer here are ace, but it’s the Setwun one that stands out for me.

6. Drummotive – Coral EP

Next Phase Records have been putting out marvelous atmospheric music for a good while now. Rooted in but not limited to drum & bass, this EP was a particular highlight for me. Coming off like classic Mo Wax at times, this is music to lose yourself to.

5. Selectors Assemble Volume 2

Broken Beat’s second coming is in full swing right now, not that it’s really ever been away for some of us. Curated by Co-Op originals IG Culture and Alex Phountzi, but with plenty of young blood along for the ride. All 6 tracks are fire, I can’t pick a favourite.

4. Sonar’s Ghost X GMHA – 3 X 2

OK we’re biased here, but this is so good. Big up Mr Stanton and GMHA, smashing it with a late entry to the list.

3. Kamaal Williams – New Heights / Snitches Brew

I think this is the best Kamaal Williams record yet. New Heights is great, but ‘Snitches Brew’ is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Listen at least once a day and become as obsessed by it as I am.

2. Afrikan Sciences – Reciprocity

In my opinion Afrikan Sciences is one of the best out there (and he is out there in every way). He had quite a few releases this year, including a couple of excellent self-released albums. This EP came out on his original home Deep Blak Recordings, back in February. I have to say the whole thing just blew me away. Put ‘Hullman Z’ on, crank up the volume and see where it takes you!

1. Karmasound – Probabilidades

Karmasound’s 2018 EP for the Phuture Shock Musik label is absolutely rammed with broken infused gems. The tracks where he pushes the tempo up to the max work the best for me, but the whole thing is pure heat.  For me, this has been the EP of the year.  Looking forward to his new single, ‘Can See Thru You’ which is coming early Jan.