Last year, Tripper introduced themselves with their debut EP People Die Every Day, showcasing the band’s vehement blend of hardcore punk. In 2024 the Baltimore group is back with a new EP and new vocalist, as Nic Ledford joins the band. Tripper will release Faceless on October 4th through Thirty Something Records and today share the ripping opener “Cycles.” Ledford’s vocals come across raw and melodic, circled by shifting guitars and pulsating drums that create an urgent delivery. Much of the EP deals with feeling performative around others and overcoming dissociating.

Ledford shares on their lyrics for “Cycles”:

“This is about trying to work things out with an ex that just can’t see my perspective or my effort in trying to break self destructive habits. I’ve been doing a lot of self reflection and work on myself the past several months and it has caused me to see things in a new light.”

Faceless was recorded and mixed by Kevin Bernsten (End It, Full of Hell) at Developing Nations in Baltimore, MD and mastered by James Plotkin (Khanate). The result is four songs that push forth hardcore punk through a modern experimental lens. Drawing from bands like Punch and Gel as much as Every Time I Die and Converge, you’ll hear a tough delivery backed by exploratory, groove-driven rhythms. The band’s unique sound has allowed them to share the stage with Loma Prieta, Spaced, and MSPAINT, and has garnered attention from Alternative Press, No Echo, and BrooklynVegan.

Tripper is Nic Ledford - Vocals, Bryan Moon - Guitar, Austin Reed - Bass, and Michael Habif - Drums.