Sullivan - Hey, I'm a Ghost

[Scott Weber]

Sullivan – Hey, I’m a Ghost

Release Date: January 24, 2006
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records


After months and months of anxious readers anticipating music from Sullivan, the band’s debut CD on Tooth & Nail records has hit shelves at the beginning of 2006. It’s unfortunate timing for the band, because with the album they’ve created, it’s almost certain that this record will be forgotten by many by the end of the year. A fairly safe release that lacks anything memorable, Hey, I’m a Ghost is plagued by mediocrity. Following the trend of post-hardcore rock without screaming (see: new Saosin, Terminal), Sullivan’s record simply drags. Though some might call the vocals unique, the high pitched thing isn’t new anymore, it’s old and busted. While the record isn’t terrible, it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Each song seems to follow the same formula, and when the band tries to mix it up, they find themselves using the same techniques multiple times on the record. The choruses are full of hooks, but there are only so much of the pseudo-raw snotty vocals one can take. It seems like this release is attempting to be stripped down, but it instead comes off as unpolished without a hint of distinction.

There are several songs on the album that manage to stand out from the rest. “Ten Ways to Impress” begins with that oh-so-familiar pattern of accented downbeats layered over a single sustained chord that a lot of pop-rock bands use, the most obvious example being Acceptance’s “Permanent.” This is actually a good thing until the chorus hits, when it slows to a crawl and delivers an anthem of a melody that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head, whether by choice or not. “The Charity of St. Elizabeth” sounds remarkably like Underoath at times, but that could be partially attributed to the production. Matt Goldman produced this CD nearly identical to Underoath’s They’re Only Chasing Safety, and it shows. Other than that, it’s a great, sweeping song that transforms itself several times and ends in dramatic fashion. “How I Remember You” is a beautiful acoustic song that progresses into soaring guitars accompanied by pleasant vocal harmonies. “Promise Me” kicks the energy back up as the album nears it’s end.

Sullivan’s debut record certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Though there are certain aspects that stand out, they seem to recycle melodies and song structure throughout the entire record. It’s by no means an awful debut, but it just doesn’t achieve anything to make it memorable. The choruses any momentum the songs had, and the record just seems to be constantly dragging its feet. Fans of the nu-screamo wave will really enjoy this record. It’s catchy, the lyrics are decent, and it’s accessibly. But as it stands, Sullivan desperately needs more variation in their songwriting because this is a forgettable release.

[a speedo model]

maybe i won't pick it up.

[shane hennessey]

i agree. i thought the vocals sucked. i hear they are good live though, they made my friend a fan

[SLADE775]

Terrible Vocals....

The first song on the album is the only good song.

[The Silencer]

Terrible Vocals....

The first song on the album is the only good song.
Slade, you like Mae...a lot.

[BrandFuckingNew]

amazing band.
amazing release.
go buy it.
scott weber's a tool.
<3.

[unwritten]

I've forgotten it already.

[Criesofthepast7]

great band. i gave this cd a 10+

[Scott Weber]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.

[moore182]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.
Haha...I was just thinking that.

Good review. I think some of the songs have a bit of staying power.
I still don't know if I'm going to buy it or not.

[leafsacc]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.

I really like this review, i listened to it a bunch of times waiting for it to sound better, but it never did. There are a few good songs at the beginning of the CD that reminded me a little of AFI, and some of the lyrics were clever, but overall it's very forgettable. I do think they have some potential though and i think that future efforts could be a lot better. Don't

Keep writing good reviews like this one Scott.

[unwritten]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.

Nah, I agree with you on this one.

[domesticyeti]

i thought it was a good review

my band played a show with them and the fold way back in september. the fold was really cool and super nice guys, they even hung out with me and my other guitarist and ate cake. However i do remember Sullivan being kind of stuck up, and not very good overall

[BrandFuckingNew]

SULLIVAN DOESNT EAT CAKE WITH RANDOM OPENING BANDS?!?!?
what a bunch of dicks. i'm not buying this album.

[opentheharbors]

heh, we played a show with them also in the last few months, and ditto on the not too hot live comment. it looked as if we were the only people left watching them when they finally got to stage. and this was in their/our hometown. :( kinda sad.

thank you for an honest review! 4.7 sounds just about right.

edit: apparently their purevolume labels their hometown as chapel hill. oh well.

[RockVocalPower]

They moved to Chapel Hill a year and a half ago, I believe.

I don't see how they could be called stuck-up. They've always been great to me.

[Out of SIght]

I think Sullivan is a good band. I hate that all you scene kids have tear new bands a new ahole because they're not your kinda music.

[Shatter_Glass]

Eh, i kinda like this release. I think his vocals surpised me the most (that's not a good or a bad thing), his voice is very in the vein of a Chris Carabba/Davey Havok love child.

[IAPAI]

great review. great reviewer. you should teach some of the other guys a thing or two.

[WakingTheMisery]

i put the album on and told my brother, "i will listen to this once and never listen to it again."

[Paul Pelc]

I thought it was a dang good review. Sullivan is... aight. I think the line "plagued with mediocraty" was a good summary.

[Caleb Cattivera]

i disagree on this one and thought the album sounded pretty good...

but that's the great thing about this site, you get to read postitive and negative reviews...just because one guy said he doesnt like it...dont let that stop you from buying it, other people have opinions out there on other sites, read theirs too.

anywho, well written review scott.

[End is Forever]

I like this cd alot, I've known Brooks and the guys for a year or so. I met them when they came to play a show in my hometown (their really nice guys, they actually introduced themselves to me) and were great live (they've got alot of energy and good crowd interaction).

I suggest picking up the cd, but the review is had some good points. It's just constructive criticism.

[opentheharbors]

I think Sullivan is a good band. I hate that all you scene kids have tear new bands a new ahole because they're not your kinda music.

the funny thing is that it sounds to me like this music was pretty much writen for the scene kids. who, in my observations, eat it up. but then again, i think it's just nicer not to clump people into vague groups like that (or make vague, baseless comments as shown).

oh and i think that they are pretty nice guys, though. brooks actually sold me one of my guitars when he worked at the local music-go-round. haha.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

i really like this album. its like underoath w/o screaming. kinda cool.

[WFUJerseyJon]

coming from jersey, i go to school in nc. a friend of mine came from winston salem where i go to school and he plays in a posthardcore band called firenze that played with sullivan several times. their live performance was what got me hooked originally and i've been anticipating this album for a while now. it's not quite what i expected, i definitely thought they would put out a somewhat more poppy album but i'm quite impressed, i think they have their sound mastered. i don't think everyone will like it nor do i think it will win them great acclaim, but i think it's a solid debut to build off. i can definitely see them sticking around for a while.

[RockVocalPower]

I agree with that. I was somewhat surprised to hear how the record turned out given the fact that a lot of their early material was very poppy ("Revenge is Something I Can Live Without," "Bystanders Day to Shine"). It's a very strong debut though.

[TommyGunn]

great record

[billcom7]

I will have to disagree with this review. I really like this CD, sure it is nothing groundbreaking, but for a debut full length this is damn impressive in my book.

Also does anyone else think the vocals on "Down Here we All Float" (and to a lesser extent "Ten Ways to Impress") sound just like AFI? I am not saying that is necessarily a good or bad thing, I just think they sound a lot alike on these songs

Best song on the album goes to "How I Remember You"

[imelliott]

this is probably the best tooth and nail release since Emery's The Weak's End. so yea you guys don't know what you're talking about.;)

[Talib Scottie]

Good review

[histrionics22]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.

I don't get why kids can't take negative comments about bands they like. The only opinion that matters is your own. I should give this band a try. I haven't listened yet.

[RedWineSheets]

Listen to Cloudy and picture Quagmire from Family Guy singing the song, youll get a good laugh.

[xXrunninglateXx]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.

When I was reading a comment in your Portugal .The Man review asking why there was no negative reviews, I thought the SAME F**KING THING! When there is a positive review, they ask for negative and vise versa. As long as its a good review, I don't care whether I agree or not. I read a lot of your reviews for just this reason Scott; rock on and shake off the haters.

[Scott Weber]

When I was reading a comment in your Portugal .The Man review asking why there was no negative reviews, I thought the SAME F**KING THING! When there is a positive review, they ask for negative and vise versa. As long as its a good review, I don't care whether I agree or not. I read a lot of your reviews for just this reason Scott; rock on and shake off the haters.
thanks man.

[hm101]

you got "promise me" and "how i remember you" mixed up. :O
i really liked the album and am glad i purchased it.

[billcom7]

People asking for more positive or more negative reviews are morons. I would hope the reviewer would just review it how they liked it or didn't. Asking for more negatives reviews is like saying "I wish more crappy music was released."

[woobo]

no billcom you dont understand. for a while absolutepunk tried out doing no negative reviews. but it seems they changed their policy because of demand by the readers for both negative and positive reviews.

[NeedForReed]

alas.

sullivan being made the martyr.

great album dudes.

love ya.

[indie_ira]

SULLIVAN DOESNT EAT CAKE WITH RANDOM OPENING BANDS?!?!?
what a bunch of dicks. i'm not buying this album.

hahahahahahahahhahahahahaha

[Scott Weber]

no billcom you dont understand. for a while absolutepunk tried out doing no negative reviews. but it seems they changed their policy because of demand by the readers for both negative and positive reviews.
There's no negative review policy, and there hasn't been one.

[NeedForReed]

just fyi, matt goldman did not produce the last underoath record.

James Wisner did.

[Tony Pascarella]

no billcom you dont understand. for a while absolutepunk tried out doing no negative reviews. but it seems they changed their policy because of demand by the readers for both negative and positive reviews.

You are so completely clueless that it's not even funny anymore.

[adozenroses]

i dont really agree with the review...i bought it and i liked it.

[opentheharbors]

oh, i forgot to say so earlier, but good review overall, regardless of whether or not i agreed with it (even though i did). one of the better and more honest reviews (didn't just blast it, still found some good amidst the bad). A+

[BarrelIsPointed]

I disagree with this as well. I thought the album was good, nothing great, but definitely good. I also feel that Matt Goldman had a lot to do with that though. I am having to go back and listen to this now though, considering the multiple comparsions to AFI, because that I definitely didn't see. I'd say it's worth picking up, but don't expect it to be your favorite album.

[john mmmkay]

you peoples should chill the fuck out and stop ragging on peoples hard work. what album have you written in the last couple of years?

[john mmmkay]

niggaaaaaaaasssssss

[Scott Weber]

you peoples should chill the fuck out and stop ragging on peoples hard work. what album have you written in the last couple of years?
hahaha, what, I can't write negative reviews?

[sweetbeatdead<3]

the fold was really cool and super nice guys, they even hung out with me and my other guitarist and ate cake.

I've heard that about those dudes. Word up to The Fold.

[mylastnerv]

I'm not much for reviews . . . . . . but did I seriously see you use "nu-screamo?"

[Drew Beringer]

you peoples should chill the fuck out and stop ragging on peoples hard work. what album have you written in the last couple of years?

Hahaha, what does have to do with having an opinion? Just because someone doesn't play in a band means they can't have an opinion on music? Please, I've never played a note on a guitar, but I can tell you that Yellowcard, Hawthrone Heights, and Spill Canvas suck. Sullivan is an average band, lately all T&N has been releasing is average (their only saving grace being Emery, Underoath, Anberlin and mewithoutYou). Shit, this forum is so fuckin fickle.

[Talib Scottie]

Haha. Gotta love these people.

[Scott Weber]

I'm not much for reviews . . . . . . but did I seriously see you use "nu-screamo?"
Yeah, why not? The explosion of the new wave of "screamo", which evolved from real screamo bands like Saetia, etc. I can make up genres!

[LPMagic]

it's hilarious that everyone begs for more negative reviews, then whenever one is posted, the author just gets torn apart. each to their own.
I've never seen anyone ask for negative reviews (minus the negative Thrice review thread way back when that blew up everything), nevermind beg for them, but for what it's worth, I'm glad you wrote a negative review. Not because it's negative, but because it's honest and that's really all I ask for. I just don't want the Review section to be a sugar coated promotional tool. Everytime I bring up the whole negative review thing up with Jason, he either insults me or tells me he'll address it in a journal post - which I never saw, so I don't know what he wants me to say.

So thanks.

[boogolay]

thank you for saving me $12, sir.

[Elijscott]

I have to agree with this review.. I gave the band a fair chance.. and there was nothing memorable.. I listened to it several times. I'm sure I"ll go back.. but this was a good review, whether you agree with it or not.

[ArmaniMassacre]

well...i'm sorry, i read a lot of the posts after the review as well as the review. it was written very well, but i can't agree with ya completely on this one, Scott. There is a lot of promise with this band. You did point that out, however, I think this is a very solid release. For a lot of the kids that haven't heard this band, I think they will really impress a lot of people as they did me. I actually got to meet them before I ever heard them and they are really genuinely nice guys. When I got this cd it was definitely not what expected, however, I have to say it's damn good. If anybody wants to read the review I did for it, I write for a local zine close to Chicago and my reviews are on my gayspace...i mean myspace blog. http://blogs.myspace.com/armanimassacre Check it out and leave me some feedback...positive or negative...

[Beloved Broken]

I will give them a listen.
P.S. What's wrong with expressing negative opinion? If it's honest. I doubt any label will pay a reviewer for a negative review, so you can as well be sure that these are his own thoughts.

[joelw82]

i put the album on and told my brother, "i will listen to this once and never listen to it again."

what a tool. you are basically predetermining that you arent going to like this cd. Its people like you that make bands like Fall out Boy popular. just going with whatever everyone else thinks. nice

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Terrible Vocals....

The first song on the album is the only good song.

It really makes me mad when the first song on cds are the best. Especially ones I just buy.

I'm always hoping as the cd goes on, it will get better, judging by the first song. But cds that do that just let me down.


From Autumn To Ashes- Abandon Your Friends
The Strokes- First Impressions Of Earth

That's just naming a couple I've bought in the past month.

[Toast&Bananas]

thank you for saving me $12, sir.

That's my only real problem with reviews. One person's opinion stops others from picking up the record who were thinking about doing so.

[NickDodson]

Opinions are like a$$holes everyones got one.

I'm on tour with this band right now and they are great. They slay every night and kids love them. Not to mention they are some of the sweetest dudes ever.

If you decide NOT to pick up this album due to this review - do yourself a favor and go see them live - it's all the convincing you need.

kthx
-nick dodson

[hands_down182]

I entirely disagree. I found the album really grows on you. I didn't like it much at first, but I found myself loving almost all the songs. And I hated the bands it was compared to. I've never heard Underoath's CD though. But I thought Sullivan was a solid debut.

[splitsecond]

I expected a review like this, as I think t&n has been on a mediocre band signing streak.

[GreenDayIdiot]

am i seriously the only one who sees a major similarity between this cd's font and say anything's?

[ertiscore]

i really like this cd

[airik625]

ok ok ok is what they are just ok ok ok

[hitlaura]

couldnt agree more with the review.
I was anticipating the release of "hey, im a ghost" and found myself ever so upset at the 'piercing' vocals and the same kinda songs, when nothing really stands out.
good review.
Laura,...

[falloutfan29]

hey, i'm a ghost is my favorite song this year

[oshyjay]

Personally, I liked the album.
Yeah, Brooks' voice isn't exactly the best at times, but overall I don't think this deserved as low a score as it got.
I mean it's your opinion, it's totally cool; and props on havin' the guts to post a low review.
I liked it a lot though, I think it has some staying power.
Maybe not the greatest, but I think it's a very enjoyable listen. :-)

[jmoney788]

i also liked the album

[xerovision1]

it's a good album, but the term plagued by mediocrity is fitting. just like it's fitting to all emo bands.

[StarryNight10]

I liked this album. Now that I listened to Underoath's They're Only Chasing Safety, I hear the similarities a lot. Especially in The Charity of Saint Elizabeth. To my friends, this is the band thats vocals "sound like a girl". He definatly has a unique voice, Favorite song off this album would have to be the opener, Down Here, We All Float.