Sultans Survive 'Shipwreck'

Discarding the distorted punk-rock approach of their debut album, Ghost Ship, The Sultans are back with what they describe as a cleaner — but still nautically-named — sophomore effort, Shipwreck, due out on Swami Records March 23.

The upcoming full-length leans toward '70s power-pop and big shiny riffs, according to a press release from the group's label. Although they cite an array of punk influences (Brit punks Disorder, short-lived new-wavers The Nerves, raucous punk-rockers The Testors, and punk pioneers The Ramones), The Sultans are bringing to the surface their love for pop's inherent simplicity and rallying strength on Shipwreck.

Led by the unmistakable, brash vocals of Rocket From the Crypt front John Reis (also known as Speedo in RFTC and dubbed Slasher in The Sultans), the group is completed by bassist "Black Velvet" (Reis' brother Dean) and drummer Tony DiPrima. The Sultans proved themselves to be ferociously original punk-rockers with Ghost Ship, which was released on Sympathy for the Record Industry in 2000. The attitude-drenched debut is built on an urgent, thrashing rhythm section, a crunching sound and undeniable melodies. But now, with Shipwreck, the San Diego trio test power-pop waters, stepping up to the challenge of proving their prowess outside the realm of gritty punk rock.

The economically-minded band recorded over pre-used tape from RFTC's 1995 full-length release, Scream Dracula Scream, when laying down tracks for Shipwreck. The recording took just one afternoon in the fall and — according to the press release — Shipwreck was mixed two weeks later on a lunch break. The thrifty band claims to have even used borrowed guitars for recording so as not to wear out the strings on their own instruments. — Jenny Tatone [Thursday, March 4, 2004]