Relentless Review: Sullivan King Releases Debut Album ‘Show Some Teeth’

If you could create the perfect debut album, what would it sound like? For most people, it would be versatile yet fluid; the sounds would be familiar but fresh; and the album as a whole would embody the past, present, and future of the artist. In other words, the perfect debut album would sound just like Show Some Teeth by Sullivan King.

With a powerful piano chord to kick things off, our journey begins with the intro track, “Promise Me.” In it, Keaton Prescott—better known as Sullivan King—greets us with a cryptic yet captivating train of thought. From there, we’re propelled into a full-energy track by the name of “If My Eyes Are Vampires (Your Body Is My Sunlight).” This collaboration between King and TYNAN is a fantastic fusion of styles. While they both deliver their signature sounds throughout the track, the best examples are, of course, each drop. And, needless to say, they’re both fantastic! Simply put, within the first few minutes of the album, Sully and TYNAN take our expectations, blow them out of the water, and raise the bar for the remainder of the LP. Now, where do we go from here?

The next two tracks, “Reckless” and “Breathless” are from a two-track EP that was released several weeks before the album. In short, these tracks tell an incredible story from two perspectives: the abuser and the abused. As one would imagine, the end result is truly breathtaking. For an in-depth review of these two tunes, check out our original write-up of the EP right here.

Next up, “Why Don’t You Love Me?” If there was ever an appropriate track to follow up “Reckless” and “Breathless,” this is it. A masterful mix of moods, this song is a picture-perfect depiction of heartbreak. In it, we have sadness, confusion, frustration, anger, and—of course—rage. Better yet, it captures all of these emotions equally well, as its beautiful ballad is just as powerful as its deadly dubstep drop. If “Why Don’t You Love Me?” proves a point, then this is it: whatever he sets his mind to, Sullivan King will inevitably nail it.

The titular track of the album, “Show Some Teeth,”marks the beginning of the next chapter in Sullivan King’s legacy. With his good friend Kompany by his side, Prescott presses play on one of his biggest hits yet. To no one’s surprise, this collaboration is yet another excellent example of Sullivan King’s multi-layered style. With Kompany’s signature sound design taking things to the next level, Keaton’s creativity is complemented beautifully. In short, these modern-day masterminds have designed a heavy but heavenly anthem. For an even deeper dive into this track, check out our article all about it.

A rare treat, “Ricochet,” combines Cayte Lee‘s lovely vocals with those of Sullivan King. This blessed ballad contains countless captivating moments from start to finish. Among them, one will find velvety vocals, dynamic drops, and a phenomenal harmony towards the end of the track. Simply put, this is a very special track, and it’s sure to take your breath away.

Another collaboration between vocal talents—but also entirely different in its own right—”Royalty” with Rico Act is a party anthem, to say the least. With Rico’s riveting verses, King’s signature style, and some sensational drops in the midst of it all, “Royalty” is a standout example of Prescott’s passion for variety. You’re definitely going to hear this one in energy-packed playlists and DJ sets for a long time to come.

Speaking of lasting impacts, remember that banger called “Dropkick?” Well, it’s back! Kind of. More accurately, it has been completely reimagined as a house track! And it slaps. A lot harder than you could ever imagine. With that in mind, we’re gonna let this one speak for itself. Introducing “Dropkick (Sully’s House Mix).” Be sure to listen all the way through, as there are a couple of fun-filled surprises along the way.

Further showcasing his artistic depth and range, the next track on the album is a heartfelt plea for “Solace.” A somber story with a sense of hopelessness, this is quite possibly the saddest song on the album. At the same time, however, Sullivan manages to make the ballad just as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. With gorgeous guitar, vocals, and ambiances, “Solace” is simply sensational; and the drop, of course, is practically magical.

Just in case you needed another example of Sullivan King’s versatility, “Hitman” featuring SWARM is unlike any other track on the album. A carefully-crafted collaboration, this midtempo masterpiece is absolutely killer. Complete with metal elements, choir chants, several sets of strings, fantastic synths, booming bass, and so much more, “Hitman” is bound to blow your mind. After all, with a joint production featuring SWARM’s signature sounds and Sullivan King’s incredible voice, it only makes sense that “Hitman” is an instant classic.

Another familiar single, “Bad Times” was released a few months before the album. If you haven’t heard it yet, then you’re in for a treat; a treat complete with a couple of ‘tweets.’ While the song starts with a ballad-like feel, it quickly progress into an anthem of rage, aggression, and pure adrenaline. Famous for its bird-like synths right before the drop, “Bad Times” is full of good times. Among them, one will find a heavy dubstep drop, a gorgeous chorus of electric guitar, and—of course—Keaton’s pristine vocals.

One of the heaviest tracks on the entire album, Sullivan King is crushing skulls in “Put Em Up.” With an extensive arsenal of basses, synths, and so much more, Keaton is going in for the kill; and he will stop at nothing to get it. With some of his best dubstep drops to date, as well as a bone-chilling bridge between them, “Put Em Up” sends a message to listeners everywhere – Sullivan King just keeps on getting better and better with time. So take your expectations, and “Put Em Up” to the next level, because that’s exactly where Sully is going.

Towards the end of the album, in the second-to-last song, Sullivan King teaches us “Where Angels Die.” With a heavy metal foundation and rage-filled vocals, Prescott preaches a powerful story. This, of course, is just the beginning. Soon after, we find ourselves immersed in a couple of deadly yet delightful dubstep drops. As one would hope and pray, the second half of the song follows a similar pattern, but both layers—metal and dubstep—are even better in round two! Yes, there’s no doubt about it, “Where Angels Die” is a bona fide banger.

Finally, Sullivan King’s debut album concludes with “Before I Go” – as if to say, ‘Wait, there’s one more song I want you to hear.’ As we said earlier, the perfect debut album embodies the past, present, and future of the artist; and “Before I Go” does exactly that. In it, Sullivan King pays homage to his past by beginning with a beautiful ballad – something he’s been doing (and we’ve been loving) for years now; then, he builds towards the drop with his signature style, which he has especially mastered in recent memory – consider this a snapshot of the present; and then, lastly, he surprises all of us with a very different type of drop – perhaps of glimpse of what’s to come. Whether Sully sticks to this newer sound, dabbles in it on the side, or is simply flexing his ability to produce just about anything, one thing is absolutely certain: Sullivan King is an unrivaled rockstar.

From start to finish, Show Some Teeth is an incredible journey into the mind, heart, and soul of Keaton Prescott. Not only is it a quintessential debut album, but it is also a fifteen-track masterclass in versatility, creativity, and raw talent. Suffice it to say, Sullivan King isn’t just an artist anymore; now, he’s an icon.

Want to experience this album in person? Join us when the Thank You For Raging Tour comes to Arizona! Sullivan King will be performing at The Green Room in Flagstaff on Thursday, November 7 as well as at The Pressroom in Phoenix on Friday, November 8. Grab your tickets today!

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