Sullivan is a relatively new band to me. I first heard of them probably sometime in January. Underoath was really promoting them on their websites, and being a big fan of Underoath, I thought I'd give them a listen. The relationship between the two bands is Phil Chamberlin (drummer of Sullivan) and Spencer Chamberlin of Underoath are brothers.
Sullivan formed in the summer of 2002 when friends Zach Harward and Brooks Paschal began writing music with guitars and a drum machine on the floor in Zach?s room. After the decision to form into a fully functioning band and numerous shows and rotating members later, Sullivan decided to take the next step in the life of a band: touring. The band released an ep, purchased a van, and recruited PhilChamberlain as their permanent drummer in 2003. (sullivancares.com)
"Hey, I'm A Ghost" 1-24-2006
1. Down Here, We All Float - Excellent introduction to what is to come on the rest of the album. The bass has a very big part in this song as it slams along with the drums. The line "find your exit" really grabs your attention.
2. Ten Ways To Impress - Intro begins with guitar and vocals then comes the full band to start the song off. Chorus is very catchy. My favorite line in the song is "Lavish homes for vanished hearts." Ending is excellent with a soft "Hold On" in the background.
3. Cloudy - Personally my favorite of the album with a great guitar intro. The ending is excellent with an acoustic guitar picking, then builds up with 2 different lyrics and voices going to close the song. The line, "l'll fight for the right of the last man standing if you'll have him around" was really stuck in my mind. It sounds like he's really trying to get someone's attention.
4. The Charity Of Saint Elizabeth - Starts off slow. Doesn't really get your attention until the guitars and drums hit. It kind of sounds like he's scared of something or worried about something. I'm not sure what this song's about. Not one of the better songs.
5. Cars at Break-Neck Speeds - Excellent song, also one of my favorites. Great beat and feel throughout the whole song. The ending is great, just like many of the other songs. To me it's like he's glad a relationship is over, and he's "cutting through streets like cars at break-neck speeds with no purpose" just to end it.
6. Gardens - A change of pace midway through the album. The lyrics are excellent. Very soft and mellow.
7. Insurance For The Weak - Tempo is back up with a drum intro. The line "so long, desperate for hours" get's your attention. There's a short break down with acoustic guitar that goes into the ending that leaves you wanting more.
8. How I Remember You - Slows back down with a soft acoustic song though it ends with a full band. It's like he's talking about a time that he's shared with somebody and something bad happened. And this is how he remembers the situation.
9. Promise Me - To me, just a very average song. I think he's trying to figure out what went wrong in the relationship and he wants to be with this person. Ends with the very strong words "Promise Me" over and over.
10. Under The Watchful Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg - A completely instrumental track which has you anxiously awaiting the closing track.
11. Hey, I'm A Ghost - Great way to end the album. Very emotional! Maybe about a girl that's done him wrong, and he's asking her if she knows what she's doing to him. The line "Does your tongue register the taste of every conviction" sounds like he was really hurt by somebody.
Recommended tracks: "Cloudy", "Insurance For The Weak", and "How I Remember You."
I'm not sure who these guys sound like. At times it reminds me of Copeland, then at other times sounds like My Chemical Romance.
The ending of all the songs are amazing and leave you wanting more. In conclusion, this is a really good album, and definately one I'll be listening to for awhile. Go listen to it, I promise you won't be dissapointed.
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