Small Pond announces ‘Emerging Vol. 4 Compilation’, featuring new music from Brighton’s rising acts

Brighton-based Small Pond Records has announced the fourth instalment in its Emerging series, set for release on 1 November. Titled Small Pond Presents: Emerging Vol. 4, the compilation brings together 16 fresh tracks from young, up-and-coming bands in the South of England. Available digitally and as a limited-edition vinyl, the project continues Small Pond's commitment to artist development and nurturing the next wave of local talent.

The label’s Emerging series has become a celebrated platform for musicians aged 16-25, providing access to professional recording facilities, industry mentoring, and a chance to release their music via Small Pond’s imprint. With the success of previous volumes, featuring now-prominent acts like CLT DRP, El Moono, and Lambrini Girls, Emerging Vol. 4 looks set to continue Small Pond’s trend of championing innovative and genre-spanning artists.

Talking about the release Alex Amos head of Small Pond funded projects said:

“It’s been a great experience to be able to organise the 4th edition of Small Pond Emerging. We had an amazing amount of artists applying to be on the record and narrowed it down to a select few that we feel showcase the diversity of music being made by young bands in Brighton. We feel really fortunate to have been given the opportunity to do this again and we really hope we can support the artists involved in the project to see some success.”

Headlining the latest release is Brighton’s post-hardcore quintet Could Be Ghosts, who are marking their first appearance on the compilation with the lead single "sutures." The track represents a bold step forward for the band, blending their hardcore, emo, and metalcore influences into a chilling and atmospheric experience. “'sutures' is an ambitious blend of our core influences,” the band said. “It’s a winding, cold and tense track with lyrical themes centred on self-inflicted vicious cycles.”

Formed in 2023, Could Be Ghosts have quickly established themselves as a compelling live act, delivering visceral performances that combine raw emotion and relentless energy. Fresh off a successful appearance at a recent Trans Pride fundraiser in Brighton, the band will headline the Emerging Vol. 4 launch show at the Green Door Store on 16th November.

Alongside Could Be Ghosts, Emerging Vol. 4 showcases a diverse roster of acts, from the driving post-punk of Jar of Blind Flies to the experimental sounds of Epsom Salts and the fuzzed-out rock of FUZZTAZER. With tracks such as "Hell Is an Ocean" by Jar of Blind Flies and "Curdle" by FUZZTAZER, the compilation captures the broad spectrum of talent that thrives within Brighton’s music scene.

Small Pond Presents: Emerging Vol. 4 Tracklist:

Side A:
1 - Jar Of Blind Flies - Hell Is an Ocean
2 - Modessa - Burning
3 - Bones Ate Arfa - Death is a Traffic Sign
4 - Could Be Ghosts - sutures

Side B
5 - Epsom Salts - Burning Memory
6 - FUZZTAZER - Curdle
7 - Kalopsia - Parasite
8 - Room 3 - Dependency

Side C
9 - Slimy Bench - Me?
10 - Bacci pouch - It Ain’t Pretty
11 - The Wrong Trousers - Postman
12 - Jeff Ubetcha - Space Flying tiger Drop

Side D
13 - Austen Showers - Sunshine
14 - Crimson - Multi-Vitamins
15 - Jack Smith - Good Day
16 - Sonic Crush - Peroxide

Save the date for Small Pond Presents: Emerging Vol. 4, and watch the visualiser for “sutures” by Could Be Ghosts:

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