Zelpha Trippe

BACKGROUND : Swanson and Blais are cousins who grew, up together in Coon Rapids, writing songs and learning instruments since grade school. Ronn jammed with the group in 1987, then went to Boston to study at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. She reunited with Swanson and Blais in fall of 1990 after finishing school. The trio played its first gig in November 1991, then added Kane shortly thereafter. The group recently changed its name from 11 Real Eyes to Zelpha Trippe (in honor Swanson's and Blais' great-grandmother).

CONCEPT: This lite-metal band bears resemblance to the progressive-rock band Rush, both in the melodic complexity of its music, and its rather enlightened social visions.

"We always want to write something that's positive." said Swanson. "Even if it's from a bad personal experience, we write about it constructively. All the songs have hope in them. We newer want to put out a negative feeling because there is already so much of that."

Zelpha Trippe, clockwise, from left, Laura Ronn,
Lisa Kane Wendy Swanson and Teresa Blais.

"That's something we often write about," added Blais. "People are sort of brainwashed to think that it's normal to be depressed, it's normal to steal, its normal to hate. But people don't have to be miserable, there are ways out. It just seems that people can't accept light, they choose to dwell in the dark all the time."

Although Zelpha Trippe doesn't conform to either the sex.-kitten stereo-type or the now- fashionable riot grrrl rock movement, Ronn insists that they don't want to be judged as moral crusaders, just as concerned young women with values and viewpoints of their own. "I don't think we're trying to come across as so holy or perfect , we're the first to admit that we're not. Life is a learning experience, and we 'II learn from our mistaken, but it doesn't mean that you have. to think and live so negatively."

REVIEW: For numerous reasons, Zelpha Trippe is one of the brightest new bands on the local hard-rock and alternative scene. For starters, the trio's generally upbeat songs are cleanly constructed thanks to Blais and Kane. Complementary guitar work. Blais and Swanson are both strong lead and backup vocalists and Kane can also harmonize, so the songs are loaded with vocal and musical hooks. And it's also refreshing that ZeIpha Trippe take great care to make the lyrics and messages of the songs stand out from the music.

If anything, the band is just a little too adventurous, and occasionally trips up a bit when moving through the many sections of its songs. Also, many rock nightclubs mix their sound with too many special effects and too much reverb, which doesn't do justice to Zelpha Trippe's crisp, complex tunes or it's abundant vocal talent. With another season of stage time and maybe some short tours, Zelpha Trippe could be ready to make a big positive impact on the local and regional rock scene, a scene that can certainly afford a few more dignified and concerned groups like Zelpha Trippe.

PERSONNEL:
Teresa Blais/ guitar & vocals
Lisa Kane/ guitar & vocals
Laura Ronn/ drums
Wendy Swanson/ bass & vocals

- Jim Meyer

Minneapolis Tribune, March 25, 1993