2010's Muffinest EPs

In the spirit of the "best of 2010" lists going around, I figured I'd enlighten you folks as to what I believe the best music of the year has been. And, just because there has been so much good music, you fine human beings are getting a double dose! That's right, not only will you get Pawn's favorite full length albums, but first, you get his favorite EPs! Don't you feel lucky?

Who will win the title of Muffinest EP of 2010 and the right to be known as the muffiny king of 2010's EPs?

Now, without further ado, here are my top 15 picks for the best EPs of 2010:

15. Harp And Lyre "Clumsy Architects"Harp And Lyre have been around for a couple years now, and they're really developing their sound. With a rockin' post-hardcore style mixed with a touch of the south and a little bit of chaos, you definitely don't want to miss out on these guys.

14. Same As Sunday "Earn Your Stripes"
Pop-mosh is on its way up, and Same As Sunday are helping to push it as far as they can. A ridiculously poppy sounding vocalist blends perfectly with wicked guitar riffs. "Earn Your Stripes" is well worth a listen.

13. The Wedding "Distance EP"
The boys of The Wedding are back in action after several years of silence with the "Distance EP". The years have only been kind to them, as this is their best release to date. It's good old rock 'n' roll with a heavier edge to it, so don't miss it!

12. Vanna "The Honest Hearts EP"
Vanna has a special place on my iPod, and they always will. They play a fun little blend of punk, post-hardcore, and metal that makes you want to get up and move. "The Honest Hearts EP" is just what the doctor ordered to tide us over until their next full-length.

11. Ten After Two "If You Don't First"
The first of several Rise Records bands to make this list, Ten After Two have some serious potential. This five song EP shows their post-hardcore/metalcore mastery, and I'm very excited to see what they can do with a full album.

10. Rise To Remain "Bridges Will Burn EP"
London based metalcore outfit Rise To Remain have several EPs under their belts, with the "Bridges Will Burn EP" being their most recent effort. With insane guitars, brutal growls, and catchy melodies, you'll definitely find yourself coming back to this one.

9. It Prevails "Findings EP"
It Prevails plays a wicked little mix of metalcore and melodic hardcore, and they play it well. With two full-lengths already under their belt, this three song EP shows that they put just as much effort into the little releases as they do the big ones.

8. The Suit "The Way That We Fall"
Punk rock and metal have never gone so well together. Gang vocals, ripping guitars, and fast paced beats make The Suit's (formerly Midnight Suit) "The Way That We Fall" a very fun listen. This EP is their first effort under the new name, and new sound, and I can't wait to hear what they do next.

7. Messengers "Anthems"
You guys may remember my full review of this EP earlier this year and my high praise of it. With a brutal combination of thrash and hardcore, Messengers have more than shown how talented they are. With a full-length tentatively slated for 2011, next year is gearing up to be just as good for metal as this year.

6. This Fires Embrace "In Transit"Hard rock/metal outfit This Fires Embrace has managed to fly pretty under the radar, despite having already released an EP and a full-length. With nine songs, you definitely get your money's worth, and the guitar work alone is worth the price of admission.

5. Oh Constantine "Into The Beginning"
The Pennsylvania boys of Oh Constantine are amazing, plain and simple. Talented, heavy, and energetic, this EP shows just how devoted they are to not only their music, but also to their faith. With so much potential, I'd love to see them get signed and have the opportunity to get the national recognition they deserve.

4. Like Moths to Flames "Sweet Talker" 
Next up, we've got the second Rise Records band of the list, and they wreck house. With a brutal style of metalcore mashed with post-hardcore, Like Moths To Flames have found a sound that works brilliantly for them. Keep an eye on these boys, because they're on the way up.
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This brings us to the top three. There is a reason these bands are at the top of my list, and that reason is talent, plain and simple. They have shown a level of musicianship and songwriting that should set the bar for every other band out there. If you only pick up a couple EPs this year, the next three are must haves.
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3. My Ticket Home "The Opportunity To Be"
My Ticket Home (Rise Records band number three) released their second EP, and Rise Records debut, and it keeps finding its way back to my playlists. These guys live on the heaviest end of the post-hardcore spectrum, and they've got an incredible gift for the style.

2. Chapter 14 "Like Trees In November"
Currently comprised of Chad Ackerman and Tanner Sparks, both of Destroy The Runner fame, Chapter 14 plays an alternative/metalcore/post-hardcore style masterfully (if you're familiar with DTR, think "I, Lucifer" sound). With DTR on an indefinite hiatus, Chapter 14 has the perfect chance to step into the spotlight - and they have more than enough talent to do so.

1. The Devil Wears Prada "Zombie EP"
Part of me feels bad giving the number one spot to what is basically a joke concept album, but The Devil Wears Prada have progressed to a much heavier and more technical sound than anything they've released to date. Despite the humorous, almost ridiculous nature of this EP, the musicianship is top-notch, and the atmosphere they created with it absolutely earned it the title of THE MUFFINEST EP OF 2010!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the muffiny king of 2010's EPs

There you have it, boys and girls - Pawn's picks for 2010's best EPs. Stay tuned, up next is the year's best albums, and there are some serious heavyweights in the running.