Albums may get all of the love from year-end lists, but a ton of amazing music is consistently being released in a much shorter format. An EP is usually compiled when an artist is looking to showcase their potential, or to test the waters for a future full-length project. The mini collection of songs, when done right, can land into our daily rotation right beside our favourite LPs. It seems wrong to reflect upon the year in music, without shining some much-deserved light onto the rappers, singers, and producers who brought us some amazing tuneage via extended plays. From syrupy R&B, to post-punk and deep house, here are the best Canadian EPs of 2016.
Charlotte Cardin, 'Big Boy'
Charlotte Cardin has come a long way from being a Top 4 contestant on TVA's La Voix. After making herself known on television, Cardin retreated to work on her debut EP, Big Boy. When the project emerged this past summer, it cemented all of her growing hype with a mixture of outstanding electronic and soul-tinged cuts. Big Boy is one of 2016’s most polished offerings, and it previews an exciting career for the Montreal songstress.
Frigs, 'Slush'
Toronto rockers, Frigs, truly came out swinging this year. Besides numerous and noteworthy live gigs, the group turned everything up to eleven by releasing the incredibly punky, Slush. Listening to the project is like taking a trip to the bayou and being beckoned by some sort of swamp siren. Slush is melancholic in the best way possible, and it's easily the band’s best work to date.
Plaza, 'One'
Plaza opens his debut project with a wash of ethereal bass kicks and a string of liquid piano keys. From the first beat drop, the tone is set for a criminally smooth EP. One incorporates many elements of atmospheric R&B, but what sets it apart from others are the earworm hooks, strong vocal runs, and textured instrumentation. It’s an impressive introduction, and hopefully a precursor of things to come from the Toronto crooner.