The Pulltops - You Tripped Me Up

​The Pulltops

You Tripped Me Up
self-released; 2025

By Jamie Funk

Mark Pierret and Tom Crowell, the duo behind The Pulltops, return with “You Tripped Me Up,” and once again, they deliver something that hits with clarity and purpose. I was already impressed by “Carry On,” but this new track uncovers more. It opens with an almost Americana blues-style riff that sets a gritty and grounded tone. Then the unexpected happens. Atmosphere and effects begin to swirl around the edges, adding a cerebral, almost dreamlike texture that deepens the mood. The momentum picks up quickly, and the hook arrives in under a minute.

During the verse, I was drawn to the guitar fills. They felt deliberate and carefully placed, adding a sense of tension that quietly builds. The mood carries a subtle darkness. It doesn’t feel heavy, but there’s something shadowy underneath it. When the chorus hits, the tension breaks. It feels like a  cathartic release, a melodic exhale that balances out the weight of the verse. The vocals land with confidence. They never push too hard but still manage to feel expressive and immediate.

One of the highlights for me was the guitar solo. It had a distinct '80s tone. It was smooth, a little nostalgic, and fit perfectly without sounding dated. That solo transitions into a section with what sounds like filtered vocals, pulling the listener toward a restrained but effective outro.

The structure of the song is tight. There are no wasted moments and the fat is trimmed. Every part feels intentional, and the production supports that sense of focus. The Pulltops aren’t trying to do too much, but what they do offer feels sharp and fully realized.

Right now, The Pulltops are making some of their strongest material. “You Tripped Me Up” continues a run of songs that feel dialed in and ready to connect. I think a lot of people are going to be drawn to this one. I already am.

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