Trip Hazard

Trip Hazard - Stay (Good Trip Records)
With a couple of well-recieved EP's under their belts and a growing live following, the first full-length release from these Dublin contenders is keenley anticipated in some quaters. Pleased to report then that 'Stay' is as good a local debut as has arrived on the HotPress reviews desk in many a month. Immediatley impressive is the straight-up, gimmick free production-way too many bands are tempted by studio wizardry, especially on their first outing. Also, Trip Hazard's sound is almost impossible to pin down stylistically. Fans of the broad church of indie will find plenty to savour here ('Getaway', 'Fred Astaire'), while those with Go Betweens or American Music Club records in their collection might well marvel at the songwritting prowess, particularly quirky creations such as 'Here We Go'. Occasionally the breadth of their sonic ambition gets the better of them-'Golden Age' might work well live, but not on record. The slow burning 'Blame' has a lovely widescreen, spacious feel with a keening melody, as does the following 'Hurt'. But 'Erase' is the real highlight here, with enigmatic frontman Dave Conway bringing an almost Morrissey-like presence to bear on this highly theatrical number. Stay tuned.........
Colm O'Hare: HotPress Magazine Dec '05 - Hot Press Magazine

TRIP HAZARD 'Stay' Good Trip Records
Newish Irish band Trip Hazard released their debut late last year, but it would be a shame to let it drift away into obscurity without giving it something of a thumbs up. One of those hardworking, aspirational types of bands that aren't averse to experimenting, Trip Hazard fall flat on their arses now and again, but they have the spirit to dust themselves off and start all over again, careful not to repeat the same mistake. The debut is full of this sort of bravery: interesting songs imbued with a sense of adventure; rooted within known parameters, certainly, but grasping nonetheless for something different. Songs such as Round and Round, Golden Age and Experience offer astute aural thrills, with most of the remainder eminently serviceable slices of pop/rock. - The Irish Times

At first sight, Dublin four-piece Trip Hazard may look like a hundred other local bands - but their highly impressive debut album proves that they've got a sound all of their own. Perhaps it's because their chiming indie-rock has a faintly menacing air to it, perhaps it's because Dave Conway's anguished lyrics sound as if a lifetime of thought has been put into them. Whatever the reason, these twisted tales of broken relationships have a distinctly unsettling effect. As you'd expect from a first outing, the songwriting is a little uneven - but the band's quirky introspection is present throughout, and it all hangs together as a unified piece of work. As long as they can avoid being confused with the dire English heavy metal band of the same name, Trip Hazard should have a very promising future ahead of them - Entertainment Ireland