Pop Punk's Not Dead's Top 10 EPs of 2012

10) Safe To Say- Sick To Death

I first discovered Markam Ontario’s Safe To Say while I was on the Pop Punk Not Pills tour and was insanely impressed. They’ve seemed to have even improved throughout the year. Sick To Sick is a stellar EP that deserves even more attention than it’s gotten.

9) Free Throw- ST 

Tennessee’s Free Throw emailed me and sent me their EP earlier this year. From the Boys Meet World intro sound byte to the aggressive yet melodic vocals, I was hooked right away. Check these guys out especially if you like bands like Polar Bear Club.

8) State Champs- Overslept 

New York’s State Champs first release on Pure Noise Records did not disappoint. It’s filled with fun, bouncy jams that can always put you in a good mood.

7) Citizen/Turnover- 7”

 I’ve been listening to both of these bands for a very long time and was stoked when they finally got their much deserved record deal with Run For Cover Records. This split showcases both bands knack for writing powerful, emotional songs.

6) Like Pacific- Homebound 

You may think I’m slightly biased because these guys are my bros, but even if I didn’t know them, this would still make my list. Check out this highly underrated band, still my favourite local Ontario band.

5) Knuckle Puck- Don’t Come Home 

There’s seems to be a lot of talent brewing in the Midwest these days. Definitely check out Knuckle Puck if you like really fast, emotional pop punk.

4) Grandview- Absolutely Nothing 

I just recently discovered this band and am already obsessed. This is my kind of music, passionate, youthful emo/pop punk. Definitely get into this band; they’re going to blow up in 2013.

3) Spraynard Exton Square

One of the most underrated and one of my favourite bands Spraynard, broke up this year. They left behind their final release Exton Square. They continued with their posi anthems, sing alongs and inspirational, meaningfull lyrics. What other pop punk band tackles such issues as overcoming sexual abuse.

2) Thieves- Achiever 

I first discovered Texas’ Thieves on XeasycoreX’s holiday compilation and I’m glad I did. Achiever is a concept album and one of the most ambitious pop punk releases of the year. This comes with my highest recommendation, seek out this band.

1) Real Friends- Everything That Dragged You Here

When I first heard this EP I became so obsessed that I listened to about 50 times and made plans to interview them later on in the day. Bands like Real Friends are the reason I run this website. I can’t even describe how much I love this EP. If you haven’t gotten into them yet, make sure you do.