Best Euro Punk EP's Of 2022
Last year I listened to so much music I could probably make a top 10 (or 5 at least) for every genre I listened to. There is however one genre I listen to most and that’s punk. In my yearlist I have limited myself to full length albums, but punk would not be punk if there would not be a ton of great EP’s released as well. To limit myself a bit I decided to be a bit chauvinistic and limit myself to the Euro-scene. By doing this I excluded brilliant EP’s from all around the world. The scenes in South and Middle America seem to be booming now with brilliant hardcore and punk. However, I have to write a little something to explain why this is the best punk EP of the year and writing is time consuming, so perhaps we can dive into those scenes when we meet again at my kitchen table? We’ll see. Here however are the best eleven punk and hardcore EP’s from the Euro scene. Why eleven? Because I couldn’t choose, so you get your top ten, plus one bonus pick!
1
Call It Off - Fare Well
White Russian Records
This is easily the EP I listened to the most this year. It is incredibly catchy punk in the vein of Green Day in their prime. This band did not release a lot of music, which makes it extra sad to see them say their farewells already.
2
Utopie - Fonce / Tensions
T.S.H. Records
Only two tracks, only five minutes of music, that ain’t much. It is enough to rank high in this list though. This French band selected two tracks from their demo and remixed and remastered them. What do you get? Punk with OI! influences or, as they call it themselves: cold punk. So I am cheating a bit perhaps to include them here, but hey, you don’t make the rules. And I make them up as they suit me. So here we are.
3
Blessure - Ekaitza / Sabaté 7"
Discos Enfermos
This Basque OI! Band is pretty new, with only one split, two contributions to compilations and now this single. Like Utopie, only two songs, only five minutes. Those five minutes will make you want more though. I really do hope they can keep up this level of writing music and release a killer LP someday soon. This coming from someone who doesn’t listen to too much OI! should be telling you something about the quality on offer here.
4
Cuir - s/t EP
Offside Records
Cuir plays fast paced Ramones-core with added synths. This is fast paced punk with a focus on songwriting. Something that sould not come as a surprise if you consider this is the solo project of the singer of Sordid Ship. The imagery chosen by this band, a pink leather mask, is kind of remarkable, but don’t let that distract you from what this EP has to offer.
5
Grief - Construire Le Vide
Stonehengerecords, Seitan's Hell Bike Punks
The most metal opening with ominous chords introduce you to something that I can only describe as post-hardcore with some almost black metal influences in it. This last ingredient really amps up the intensity here. The post-hardcore base makes sure this sits firmly in the punk realm and adds a sense of desperation to it. The vocals have, at times a Celeste type of intensity which really sells it to me.
6
Gurs - s/t EP
Symphony of Destruction, DDT Banaketak
This EP is the debut from four dysfunctional friends (before you accuse me of anything, this is a loose translation of their Bandcamp profile). They labeled themselves as a punk/post-punk band. I agree with that description; punk takes the drivers seat while post-punk rides shotgun. There is so much drive in these tracks! Another band I look forward to hearing more from.
7
Mausoleo - Refugio Transitorio EP
Humo
If I would have to compare this band to another I would say it reminds me of Rope Sect, but a bit more post-punk. This sound is thriving at the moment, and Mausolea have decided to join in on it and they do it well. The music paints a bleak picture that fits with a bleak outlook on the world. I don’t speak Spanish so I could not tell you if the lyrics fit this subject, but the music sure does feel very bleak.
8
Zanjeer - Parcham Buland Ast
Symphony Of Destruction
If you picture how a political uncompromising hardcore band should sound I would not be surprised if you came up with something like Zanjeer. I picture a band like Nightstick Justice if they would focus more on their punk side. Their sound signals one thing: these folks have strong opinions and are not here to make compromises. In six songs and eight minutes they tell you how it is.
9
Montaña - s/t EP
Colilla Records, Andalucía Über Alles, Producciones Tudancas, Malmai Records, Malditos Vinilos, Frontal Distribución, Tormenta de Ideas, DDT Banaketak
This Spanish band plays a slightly nervous kind of post punk. Especially when things get more upbeat (of course). This EP is their debut and it holds much promise. The opening track drags you in and the EP doesn’t let you go until it is finished. Another highlight? The second track is characterized by a steady and really strong build up. Anything to do better? Yeah, a bit more steady vocals would have landed them a higher spot on this list.
10
Inhuman Nature – Under The Boot
Church Road Records
This list really needs some crossover thrash. Just to make sure I don’t drown you in post-punk. Inhuman Nature delivers this in spades. They add a slight death metal flavor to it through more gruff vocals and the very metal sounding guitar solos. Excellent stuff.
11
Mižerija - s/t EP
Doomtownrecords
Can I include demo’s in this list? Oh wait, I make the rules here. So yes! Yes, I can do that! And that is why you are now reading about Mižerija. This Croatian band reminds me a bit of early Bernays Propaganda, but more post-punky. What they definitely do share is the intense drive. This definitely sounds like a band that wants to see changes to the world around them. That translates to urgent music, but also a style of vocals that focusses more on translating that urgency, almost screaming their lyrics into your face. You gotta love it!
- Dennis
