Sullivan

Sullivan emerged in 2002 as a melodic emo outfit whose lyrics carried a pronounced Christian tone. Rather than embracing the rising tide of post-hardcore and screamo acts, the group adhered to the direct, Sunny Day Real Estate-influenced side of the emo spectrum. The band originated with the songwriting partnership of vocalist and guitarist Brooks Paschal alongside bassist Zach Harward, who initially tracked material using a drum machine. In place of that device, they recruited drummer Phil Chamberlain—whose sibling Spencer Chamberlain fronts the Christian screamo group Underoath—and brought in Tyson Shipman as a second guitarist during 2004. Prior to joining Sullivan, Chamberlain and Shipman had collaborated in the metalcore band This Runs Through alongside Spencer Chamberlain. Their independently issued demo EP Count the Time in Quarter Tones drew interest from the Christian alternative imprint Tooth and Nail Records, leading to a 2005 signing. The label enlisted Underoath producer Matt Goldman to helm the sessions for the debut full-length. That Tooth and Nail release, Hey, I'm a Ghost, arrived in spring 2006.