Ghost Ship

Comprised of two of the leading members of Rocket From the Crypt, Speedo and Andy, the Sultans are a three-piece side project with more guts and grit than most bands can muster in a whole career. Every song is a three-minute testament to an "us against the world" attitude, wrapped in throaty heartfelt melodies and thick, buzzing guitars. Sounding like Elvis Costello fronting the Ramones, Ghost Ship does away with any needless solos or lead parts, giving the 30-minute up-tempo album a lean, powerful punch. Though somewhat lo-fi, the production in such songs as "Trust No One" lends itself to the overall crunch, as if the recording tape was pushed to the point of crackling and Speedo was singing through a mouthful of glass. The sentiment of Ghost Ship is one of dark self-containment, mixed with a will to confront the world's misguided and self-important attitudes through shoutalong choruses and razor sharp lyrics. This album does not offer any major shifts in style, but it is a well-crafted and invigorating blast of urgent rock & roll. ~ Ian Trumbull, All Music Guide