could be ghosts x Rankd – EP Release
“could be ghosts” release operatic emo debut EP “you still speak in your sleep”
The Brighton five-piece have already shown us what they can do with previous releases, but the new, self produced EP “you still speak in your sleep” is a perfect example of what it means to be an emo band in 2025.
Previously a struggling scene with no real firmly rooted place amongst other scenes, emo has changed shape and grown into something more than itself, pulling influences from all over the alternative space. Could be ghosts have highlighted this exactly, with an array of genres seeping through their sound.
There’s a beautiful overture to kick off the EP, that echoes the opening riff of the following track “I’m not safe in my space” which you can read our review on here.
The third track on the EP “eyes agape (like mouths)” opens with an almost pop punk twinge to the riff, layered over an energetic beat. The track crashes into the end with heavy riffs and expertly emo screams from vocalist Florence.
The stand out track on the EP for me, is “crestfallen”. It’s a stunning homage to emo, with a slower melodic riff to open, and building drums that lead us into the chorus, which is a lesson in post hardcore perfection, heavy screams while keeping those emotive melodies. The track masters the rhythm of shade and light, darting between the two smoothly. The band have also released a music video for this track, which is a beautiful accompaniment, filmed in a local church (for any of you religious guilt enjoyers out there).
This EP has these wonderful glimmers of emo past, figureheading bands such as Underoath and early My Chemical Romance, along with more modern metalcore aspects. It feels like a love letter to emo in every form, the adoration bleeding through each track. At the same time, the technicalities throughout showcases the bands sheer ability, from the upbeat opening riff of the closing track “that which looms over me”, to the crashing breakdown toward the end.
I use emo as a guiding point, but could be ghosts have a meticulously crafted sound that is so stand alone within the Brighton scene at the moment, it’s hard not to be excited for what’s to come.
If you want more from the lovely could be ghosts, myself and lead interviewer Kris sat down with vocalist Florence and guitarist Ash to cover the bands process in writing, producing, filming leading up to the EP’s release, which you watch soon on Rankd.uk