Alex Wilkins (Vocals/ Guitar),
Hugh Swaso (Guitar),
Paul Fisher (Drums),
Alex Van Gils (Bass),
Charles Cleaver (Keys)
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, including Jump, Little Children, and Robert Sledge of Ben Folds Five, 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. 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"
Tripp, I just got an okay from the slightly deranged manager of The Cranes Are Flying (wait … that’s me :-) to pass on this free download of the title track from the upcoming Banging My Head EP. I hope you enjoy it … any feedback is welcome. And thanks for the friendship. - Trevor
Just click on the Last.FM logo below, and when you get to the album page, click on the blue “free download” next to the second song.
“The elastic pulse of new single “Banging My Head” is exceptional” The State newspaper, 6/19/09, “Pick of the Week”
Choice Merchandise is the official merchandise supplier for over 50+ national recording artists including Blind Melon, Little Feat, Sponge, Marcy Playground, Stryper, Bruce Hornsby, etc... Plus many NFL athletes and NBA stars like Raja Bell of the Charlotte Bobcats!
-Was great seeing you last night, AW; it had been too long. Wendy's debut was impressive, eah?!
-Hope Tripp has a big turnout tonight in Durham. [Given the way Duke just ate Maryland for brunch, Durham ought to be in party mode without doubt.] Give my best to Tad, and Patrick and the rest of Luego; y'all are going to be one FUN NIGHT!
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