Alex Wilkins- Vocals/ Guitar
Hugh Swaso- Guitar
Paul Fisher- Drums
Alex Van Gils-Bass
Influences
A short sampling: Tom Petty, Fountains of Wayne, Matthew Sweet, Crowded House, Neil Young, Wilco, Billy Joel, Ted Leo, Old 97s, Whiskeytown, Jump Little Children, the Beatles, Pavement, Jimmy Eat World, Marshall Crenshaw, the Coconut Bangers Ball
Sounds Like
"Good Boy Charm: 3 stars (out of 5)
Campus favorite Tripp confirms its talent with Good Boy Charm. With dynamic energy from start to finish, this carefree album certainly will start the summer off right. Sharp guitar solos blend with Alex Wilkins' laid-back vocals. A lack of ballads leaves emotion that might normally be somber with an optimistically upbeat presentation, making even the most heartbreaking relationship situation seem light.
The LP's universality offers plenty of fun..."
-Melissa Brown, The Daily Tar Heel
"Led by Wilkins' affable, everyman tone and Swaso's six-string electricity, Tripp—a consistent quartet since last August—writes sharp, radio-ready themes, capable of swooping wide as breezily romantic pop ("Taste") or charging fast as open-road anthems ("Everything in One.") In both cases, expect a perfect springtime sentiment." - Grayson Currin, Independent Weekly
"(With 'Good Boy Charm') frontman Alex Wilkins writes songs that either feel like energetic anthems best enjoyed in a convertible with the top down and the volume knob yanked or earnest ballads set to serve for some prime time drama's emotional comedown...Wilkins blurs the edges as a lyricist, realizing that breakups rarely come clean and happiness rarely comes easy. Likewise, as a unit, Tripp often reconfigures or warps the templates of its closest sonic kin." - Grayson Currin, Independent Weekly
It's all Alex Wilkins' fault: he wrote some songs and wanted to peform them in front of people. After recording some acoustic tunes produced by former Pavement drummer Steve West, Paul Fisher said he could add some drums. Hugh Swaso said he could help out, too. Hugh's played and recorded with a lot of folks, like Jump, Little Children, *Sons, Robert Sledge (of Ben Folds Five), and Who's Bad: the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute, but it was his dreadlocks and dance moves and the way the dreadlocks moved when he danced that impressed the other guys. They rounded out the rhythm with Alex Van Gils on bass. Their independent release, "Good Boy Charm," shows off their love of melodic rock with a twist of country and blues that features a lot of vocal harmonies, blistering but heartfelt guitar solos, and lyrics inspried by things they've done and people they know. They back it all up with a live show that incorporates their love of good music with bar or table dancing. So far they've shared the stage with bands like Augustana, the Sammies, and members of Roman Candle and the Old Ceremony. All in all, they think the music's pretty good and hope you enjoy it, and that you'll come see them live sometime soon.
Tripp at Local 506 (5/3/2008) courtesy of Betsy Harris
"Draw A Line," "St. Jane," and "Abigail"
Ohh, hahahaaaa, now Plueeeese, don't strain yourself. It's obvious: you WERE the bachelorette party, right? Did I get it? Yes? Yes?
I must say that you would be an honorable... No. nevermind. I don't think there's anything i can say that doesn't cast dispersions on the reputations of those frisky ladies or on you. [wink] [...although SCORES of hilarious closing statements to finish that do come to mind!]
~1:03am -OBSERVED at JACK SPRAT CAFE: 8 or so young women trailing into Jack Sprat Cafe Saturday night, following a first one leading the way, wearing a veiled wedding headpiece. ~1:06am -OBSERVED at JACK SPRAT CAFE: Same 9 women leaving with man in tow, and walking E. on Franklin Street. IDENTITY: Alex Wilkins. Reported to be wearing a sheepish grin.
I do too, my friend. We'll have ourselves a good time. I appreciate the opportunity. I like the music, especially "Everything in One." Looking forward to playing with y'all. Have a great day. -Josh
Wilkins, your diggin on Pavement... cruising your page earlier, was like.. whoa. Anyways man, should hang sometime in the Hill, sorry we missed ya in Raleigh show went long and I managed to get hammered.
Alex W, I was fine until I read your comment on The Pneurotics' page about your bbq sandwich. Although I'm not hungry, I've been thinking about that all night. When morning comes, I know what I'm having for breakfast.
..PS - We were at an event this afternoon. -BBQ (and fried chicken) from Allen and Sons. Double yummm.
Hey guys hope the EP release show went well as I'm sure it did. Sorry I missed it!!! Keep up the good work hopefully I'll be able to hear you guys play next time I'm back in town
Whoa babies did you have an awesome CD release show last night? ..Why YES, YES YOU DID!!!!!!!!!!!!.. It made my hair curl it was so good! I'll post some photeooos soon. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
-Just took a full listen through all your music postings ...and now I'm lying back, head cupped behind my head, wistful smile, and smoking an imaginary cigarillo.
Tripp at Local 506 (5/3/2008) courtesy of Betsy Harris 
