Genres Rock Record labels TYM Records, Folc Records | Years active 2006–present | |
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Associated acts Dear John LettersThe Minus 5MudhoneyThe Model RocketsNeko CaseScreaming TreesStumpy JoeThe Young Fresh Fellows Similar | ||
The tripwires early bright
The Tripwires are a Seattle, Washington-based rock supergroup made up of well known local musicians Dan Peters, John Ramberg, and brothers Jim and Johnny Sangster, all of whom have been members of bands that include The Minus 5, Screaming Trees, and The Young Fresh Fellows.
Contents
- The tripwires early bright
- The tripwires most likely you go your way
- Formation and early years
- Releases
- Band members
- The Sharing Patrol
- Stumpy Joe
- The Model Rockets
- Sangster Family Band
- Sangster Meets BensonBenson Meets Sangster
- caselangveirs tour
- Crackle Pop Recording Studio
- The Tripwires
- Johnny Sangster Rob Benson
- References
The tripwires most likely you go your way
Formation and early years
Brothers Jim Sangster and Johnny Sangster grew up in Seattle, Washington, but spent summers on Lopez Island, Washington, where their parents have resided since 1988. The brothers attended a year of high school on the island, where they formed their first bands, performing at the high school and the American Legion hall.
In 1984, Johnny relocated to Denmark, where he led the Copenhagen-based The Sharing Patrol until 1997. Returning to Seattle in 1997, he connected with Egg Studios owner Conrad Uno, who enlisted Johnny’s engineering assistance.
After recording 4 albums with The Model Rockets, John Ramberg had begun work on a solo album with drummer Bill Rieflin (R.E.M., Ministry, The Minus 5). In 2006, those sessions, with the contribution of the Sangster brothers, evolved into the formation of the group The Tripwires.
Releases
The first The Tripwires album Makes You Look Around was released in 2007 on the Paisley Pop label and featured support from Scott McCaughey and technical help from Kurt Bloch. Reviewers praised the album, calling it melodic but powerful pop, bright and propulsive, filled with melodic hooks.
A second album, House to House, was released in 2009 on the Spark & Shine label, featuring production by Johnny Sangster and engineering by Sangster and Jon Erwie. The album was described in reviews as explosive power pop.
In 2014, a third album Get Young was released, this time on the Folc Records label. It was recorded by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mark Lanegan, Afghan Whigs) and produced by Johnny Sangster. The album was released via Bandcamp. Reviews were positive, citing similarities to Squeeze and Elvis Costello, and describing the music as pub rock for a new generation.
A 2017 EP Fat City Let's Go! was released on ten-inch vinyl and digitally via Folc/Bandcamp. The EP cover features art by Jeremy Eaton.
Band members
The Sharing Patrol
In the early 80s, Johnny Sangster (guitar, vocals) and Jonathan Stibbard (drums) formed The Sharing Patrol in Seattle, Washington. Henrik Tuxen (bass) joined in 1984 when Johnny and Jonathan moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. The band released four albums before Sangster returned to Seattle in 1997. The Sharing Patrol recorded for EMI Records and toured Europe, Scandinavia, and the former Soviet Union.
Stumpy Joe
John Ramberg (lead vocals, guitar) led this Seattle-based band. Other members included Mark Hoyt (lead guitar, vocals), Christian Wilson (bass, piano), and Scott Russell (drums). They released one album: One Way Rocket Ride To Kicksville! in 1991. Scott McCaughey co-produced, engineered, and mixed the recording.
The Model Rockets
John Ramberg led this Seattle-area band, which still performs on occasion. In 1993, when Stumpy Joe disbanded, several ex-members formed a new band: Glory Stompers. The name was already taken, so they changed the name of the band to The Model Rockets. Initially, The Model Rockets consisted of John Ramberg (guitar, lead vocals), Grant Johnson (guitar), Boyd Remillard (bass), and Graham Black (drums). In 1994, Johnson was replaced by Scott Sutherland (Chemistry Set). Their debut album, Hilux, (Lucky Records) was produced by Scott McCaughey (The Young Fresh Fellows). A second album, 1996's Snatch It Back and Hold It (C/Z) was followed by a tour of Spain.
In 1998, The Model Rockets released At El Sol / Sold Out. This album was recorded live in Madrid, Spain. 2003’s Pilot County Suite was their most recent recording.
Sangster Family Band
Jim and Johnny Sangster have performed occasionally as part of the Sangster Family Band, which includes their mother Patsy, their father John (now deceased), Jim’s two children, and Johnny’s three children.
Sangster Meets Benson/Benson Meets Sangster
In 2002, Johnny Sangster recorded one album with Robb Benson (Dear John Letters, Nevada Bachelors). The Sangster Meets Benson/Benson Meets Sangster album was described as an experimental pop collaboration.
case/lang/veirs tour
In 2016, Johnny toured as guitarist with Neko Case, kd lang, and Laura Veirs in support of their case/lang/veirs album.
Crackle & Pop! Recording Studio
Johnny Sangster works as an audio engineer operating the Crackle & Pop! recording studio in Seattle, Washington, with partners Andrew Smith and Scott Masoner.