The Pulltops

With their new single “Rise or Fall,” The Pulltops deliver a muscular alt-rock anthem that speaks directly to the human spirit caught between pressure and perseverance. Written by Mark Pierret and Tom Crowell, the track captures the volatile energy of modern life—where deadlines tighten, doubts linger, and the line between triumph and collapse feels razor-thin. But instead of succumbing to the heaviness, the song transforms it into fuel for resilience. With thunderous riffs, soaring choruses, and an unwavering sense of urgency, The Pulltops have crafted a track that is equal parts rallying cry and cathartic release, a piece designed to stir listeners into action when stress threatens to hold them back.

From the opening lines—“The world was waiting for a hero to be / The one to surface, bring them to their knees”—we are thrust into a narrative of expectation and pressure. The lyrics set the stage for a conflict bigger than the individual: armies gathering, strategies plotted, fires igniting. Yet, the real battle is personal, as the song channels these images into a metaphor for overcoming inner struggle. Musically, this translates into a relentless drive. The rhythm section pounds forward with determination, while the guitars shimmer and cut, crafting a backdrop that feels simultaneously cinematic and visceral. It’s not difficult to imagine this song blasting through stadium speakers, fueling literal and figurative fights.

At the heart of the song lies the refrain: “Rise or fall, they’re coming in out of nowhere / Riding high, you’ll chase the devil tonight.” The chorus is deceptively simple, but its repetition is intentional, a mantra that builds in urgency with each cycle. “Rise or fall” becomes less a choice and more a challenge—do you stand your ground, or do you crumble under the weight? The invocation of “chasing the devil” adds a mythic quality, turning adversity into something almost supernatural, an embodiment of temptation, fear, or defeat. By placing the listener in the role of the fighter, the band transforms external chaos into an inner reckoning: the real victory lies in self-belief.

Lyrically, “Rise or Fall” balances grand imagery with relatable emotion. Lines like “Time is critical and starting to bleed / Stress is building up and needs to release” root the track in the very real anxieties of everyday life. The battlefield metaphor suddenly feels less like fantasy and more like Monday morning, deadlines, and expectations pressing down on the psyche. This blending of larger-than-life imagery with intimate emotion is what gives the track its staying power—it resonates as an epic story and a personal diary entry. The listener is reminded that even small, private struggles are battles worth fighting, and victories worth celebrating.

In the end, “Rise or Fall” is an anthem of resilience, a soundtrack for anyone standing on the edge of doubt, ready to fight back. The Pulltops’ combination of dynamic production, impassioned performance, and lyricism that straddles the line between mythic and everyday results in a track that feels timelessly motivating. By the time the chorus reaches its final repetition, the listener is not only convinced of their ability to withstand the storm but is already carrying the fire that the song insists lies within. In an era where uncertainty seems constant, “Rise or Fall” arrives as a reminder: we may bend, we may strain, but we’re not meant to fall.

Hit Harmony Haven

The Pulltops are a Milwaukee based duo delivering a hooky mix of Indie Rock, Power Pop, and Album Rock. Drummer Mark Pierret and guitarist Tom Crowell were both eclectic record collectors, so they immediate- ly clicked when they joined their first band together. While Mark always leaned heavier on old country and soul music, Tom drew stronger influences from the experimental and underground scene.

Despite these differences, the two always found common ground with pop music and strong hooks, and this would be at the heart of their writing. Though they never strayed too far from the classic pop and indie rock formula, they would often incorporate elements from their eclectic influences.

The Pulltops“You Tripped Me Up” performs an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Rock, which combines the Gritti Guitar Refies and electrification of power with an unnecessary feelings. First from the actual stream, the track catchs the essence of the traditional rock, infecting a current edge, which causes this indifferent and tight, which causes the essence of the traditional rock to infects the traditional rock, which makes it indifferent and fasted. The dynamic system of tone and infectious rhythm creates a unique environment.

As the song is made, it appears in a anthem of self-compassion and love, which offers a sense of vulnerability wrapped in bold, infectious tunes. With its impeccable craftsmanship and soulful delivery, the “You Tripped Me Up” is a will of the ability of The Pulltops that prepares a deep -echoing song. Whether you are an extended-time rock radical or a newcomer, the tune will attack with you on a cord, which offers a rare acquaintance and innovation mixture in today’s song Panorama.

Music Evolution

You Tripped Me Up surges with the electricity of emotional rebirth. The Pulltops deliver a blast of tightly wound energy, channeling the hurt and disillusionment of betrayal into a fierce, rallying cry. Every riff feels like a shot of adrenaline, every lyric a defiant reminder that survival is an act of rebellion. It’s not just a song it’s a visceral moment captured in sound, standing at the crossroads of heartache and self-determination.

Rooted in Milwaukee’s vibrant music scene, The Pulltops bring a dynamic blend of indie grit and pop immediacy to their craft. Drummer Mark Pierret and guitarist Tom Crowell share a musical partnership that thrives on contrast  Mark’s deep connection to soul and classic country colliding with Tom’s underground edge. This tension between styles gives their sound a unique emotional texture, creating a feeling that’s both familiar and bracingly fresh.

Their approach is anything but formulaic. While anchored in catchy melodies and punchy choruses, The Pulltops skillfully weave hints of their diverse influences into each track. You can hear the dusty echoes of Americana rubbing up against jagged indie guitar lines, all stitched together by a deep respect for classic songwriting. It’s in this interplay that their songs find their strength, tapping into a wide emotional palette without ever losing their core identity.

“You Tripped Me Up” stands tall as a testament to resilience. It’s the sound of falling hard and getting up harder, refusing to let the past drag you back down. With a potent mix of furious guitar work, thunderous drums, and vocals that blaze with conviction, The Pulltops have crafted a song that feels both intimately personal and universally anthemic a battle cry for anyone who’s ever fought to reclaim their own story.

Melody Lense

“You Tripped Me Up” is an excellent offering from the Milwaukee-based band, showing inspirations taken from new wave as well as early 2000s indie rock. It’s a song that feels reminiscent of the sounds explored by Jimmy Eat World on Clarity as well as The Thermals’s classic The Body, the Blood, the Machine. It’s a very exciting new ground for The Pulltops to find themselves standing out, highlighting their ever-evolving ability to innovate while still remaining true to their own aesthetic flawlessly.

The track soars with defiant melodies and an adventurous production, relying on restrained textures and emotional-driven vocals. “You Tripped Me Up” is a song about dealing with the aftermath of having your trust in someone broken, going fully in and holding nothing back. Essentially it’s a track about cutting the person out of your life due to pressing questions, offering a reason for the decision but never asking for an apology or even making room for one. “You Tripped Me Up” perfectly illustrates the moment in which the bond is far beyond repair and the only thing left to be done is to walk away and don’t look back.

It’s a very interesting angle, explored beautifully by the band. There’s a myriad of conflicting emotions and directions being confronted at once, creating a dynamic track that is filled with nuance. Their latest effort shows the band headed towards an exhilarating and refreshing new page, bringing out the best of the duo as they stretch their brand of power pop into something thrilling.

“You Tripped Me Up” feels less experimental than “Carry On”, but finds itself standing in an incredible middle ground between their previous single’s futuristic tendencies and the oldschool indie rock dynamics the duo’s been expertly crafting for years. It’s a reinvigorating step for the act, an impressive foray into new influences that does a remarkable job in agglutinating them into their sound with seamless effort and a wonderous eye, laying the ground for intriguing and lively new paths that will certainly lead to even more impressive music going forward.

Less Than 1000 Followers

With a reputation for blending indie-rock, power-pop, and album-rock vibes, Milwaukee-based duo The Pulltops return with ‘Carry On’, a soaring single that channels introspection into inspiration. Drummer Mark Pierret and guitarist Tom Crowell once again prove their knack for crafting hook-laden rock with emotional depth, delivering a track that strikes the perfect balance between raw vulnerability and uplifting energy.

From the first note, ‘Carry On’ grips the listener with cinematic intensity. The synth-infused backdrop swelling alongside driving guitars and urgent percussion, setting the stage for a powerful message of perseverance. The duo’s signature ability to meld heartfelt storytelling with anthemic melodies is on full display, as the lyrics confront pain, struggle, and the determination to push forward.

While rooted in classic indie and alternative rock, the song effortlessly weaves in elements of power-pop and expansive synth textures, creating a dynamic, emotionally-charged atmosphere. The harmonies soar, the rhythm pulses with purpose, and the song builds toward an undeniable sense of catharsis; a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward.

With ‘Carry On’, The Pulltops have delivered a rallying cry for resilience, one that speaks to the universal struggles we all face, while encouraging listeners to rise above and reclaim their own journey. If this latest release is any indication, the duo’s unwavering dedication to strong songwriting and emotional connection continues to be their greatest strength.

The Indie Grid

Milwaukee duo The Pulltops have spent years refining a sound that lands somewhere between indie rock’s scrappy earnestness, power pop’s sugar rush, and the arena-sized ambition of classic album rock. Drummer Mark Pierret’s love of old-school country and soul meets guitarist Tom Crowell’s underground and experimental leanings, but their shared appreciation for airtight hooks has always been the glue holding it all together. While their songwriting rarely strays too far from the familiar contours of pop and indie rock, there’s a subtle eclecticism at play—a willingness to color just outside the lines, borrowing textures and tones from across the musical spectrum.  

Their latest single, “Carry On,” leans into anthemic alternative rock with a distinctly 1980s sense of scale, its soaring synths and driving guitars evoking both futurism and nostalgia. The opening moments feel celestial, almost weightless, like something beamed in from a forgotten sci-fi soundtrack before the song locks into its tight, forward-moving pulse. The chorus hits with arena-sized urgency, its glossy layers and reverberating vocals designed for maximum impact. There’s a craftsmanship here that recalls the sharply defined hooks of bands like Tears for Fears or even U2 at their most soaring—songs engineered to inspire, to push through the static.  

Lyrically, “Carry On” leans into broad-stroke resilience, channeling the kind of motivational affirmations you might find stitched onto a throw pillow or projected onto a TED Talk stage. It’s the kind of song that feels tailor-made for montage sequences—windows down on the highway, late-night training sessions, or the quiet self-reckoning of a protagonist on the verge of a breakthrough. There’s an undeniable sincerity in its message, even if it veers into the sentimental.  

For those in search of massive choruses and an uplifting message, “Carry On” delivers exactly as promised. It’s a track that wears its heart on its sleeve, unafraid to aim high, reminding us that sometimes, a well-placed hook and a dose of optimism are all you need to keep moving forward.

Pitch Perfect

Drawing together the natural talent of musicians Tom Crowell (guitar) and Mark Pierret (guitar), The Pulltops offer eccentricity, eclecticism, originality, innovation, and unconventional boundary-breaking pushes of rock in their music. Taking a gander at previous releases, such as ‘Waiting Here’ and ‘Red Eye Open Sky’, the US-based pair intricately weave raw human emotion, existential issues, and moving melodies with artistic mastery. The most recent addition to their critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Carry On’.

Following the well-received 2024 single ‘On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships)’, The Pulltops traipse into 2025 with ‘Carry On’. Shifting from a 90s pop-rock sound to a rush of alternative rock, ‘Carry On’ retains the signature retro-ness of The Pulltops dragging us to the 90s; however, obscurity breaks through in a synth-tinged sheen showcasing the pair’s diverse nature.

For me, the new single is heavier, harder and grittier than The Pulltops’ previous songs. No leaning toward Weezer or Blink 182, but rather adopting a bolder, brasher form in ‘Carry On’. Interestingly, as much as the song is breathtaking and slightly gut-wrenching in its delivery, the interspersed shimmer of synths weaves eeriness into the crashing drums and soaring guitar melody.

Melodically, ‘Carry On’ is affronting, like meeting a futuristic giant robot who you know is going to wreck the room or toss you about without a care. Yet, as overwhelming as this image is, there is sincerity lingering in the figure, so you know it’s an intimidating robot but he’s also encouraging, friendly, and hopeful. The Pulltops explain:

“Built on heartfelt lyrics that confront pain and struggle, the song transforms into a powerful message of perseverance and hope… an undeniable call to rise above and reclaim one’s own path.”

The Other Side Review

Milwaukee-based duo The Pulltops are back with their electrifying new single, Carry On, released on January 31, 2025. Blending indie rock, power pop, and album rock elements, Mark Pierret and Tom Crowell have once again crafted a track that seamlessly marries emotional depth with an anthemic energy that demands to be heard.

From the very first note, Carry On grips listeners with its dynamic instrumentation. Pierret’s driving drumbeats and Crowell’s gritty guitar riffs create a rich, propulsive foundation that captures the essence of perseverance. The soaring synth textures add an atmospheric touch, creating a layered soundscape that feels both grand and intimate. It’s the kind of track that lifts you up even as it speaks to life’s most challenging moments.

What sets The Pulltops apart is their ability to blend diverse influences without losing their signature sound. As lifelong record collectors with eclectic tastes, Pierret and Crowell bring a wide-ranging musical sensibility to their work. Pierret’s background in old country and soul music meets Crowell’s penchant for experimental and underground sounds, resulting in a sonic landscape that feels fresh yet familiar. While Carry On stays true to their love for pop-driven hooks, it also incorporates unexpected elements that keep listeners engaged.

Lyrically, Carry On is a testament to resilience and personal growth. The heartfelt lyrics confront pain, struggle, and the weight of life’s challenges, but rather than dwelling in despair, the song pushes forward with an unyielding message of hope. The chorus is anthemic, a rallying cry to keep moving forward even when the path is unclear. It’s a universal sentiment that resonates deeply, making it a song listeners will return to whenever they need a boost of strength.

The vocal harmonies on the track are particularly striking. Pierret and Crowell’s voices blend seamlessly, adding an emotional richness that amplifies the song’s impact. There’s a rawness in their delivery that feels genuine, as if they’re sharing their own journeys with the listener. This authenticity is a hallmark of The Pulltops‘ music, and it’s what makes Carry On so compelling.One of the most impressive aspects of the track is its balance between raw emotion and electrifying energy. The Pulltops never shy away from vulnerability, but they channel it into a sound that’s powerful and uplifting. The result is a song that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring—an undeniable call to rise above and reclaim one’s own path.

As seasoned musicians with a history of crafting memorable tracks, The Pulltops have once again proven their ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. Carry On is more than just a song; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a reason to keep pushing forward.

With this latest release, The Pulltops continue to solidify their place in the indie rock landscape. Their unique blend of influences, combined with their knack for crafting hooky, emotionally resonant tracks, makes them a band worth watching. Carry On is a shining example of their talent and a testament to their dedication to creating music that matters.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering The Pulltops for the first time, Carry On is a track that demands to be heard. It’s a celebration of resilience, a tribute to the power of music, and a reminder that sometimes, the only way forward is to carry on.

Apricot Magazine

Milwaukee-based duo The Pulltops return with their latest single, Carry On, an alternative rock anthem infused with soaring synths, driving guitars, and a compelling sense of resilience. Comprised of drummer Mark Pierret and guitarist Tom Crowell, The Pulltops have built their sound on a blend of indie rock, power pop, and classic album rock, drawing from their diverse influences. With Carry On, they deliver a heartfelt message wrapped in an uplifting and dynamic arrangement, proving once again their knack for crafting songs that are both emotionally resonant and sonically engaging.

At its core, Carry On is an anthem of perseverance. The lyrics speak to overcoming adversity, pushing through hardships, and finding the strength to move forward despite life’s challenges. The emotional depth of the song is apparent, yet it never feels weighed down. Instead, The Pulltops infuse the track with an energy that is both cathartic and invigorating. 

The balance between raw emotion and an electrifying instrumental backdrop makes the song universally relatable—something that can inspire and uplift anyone who listens. Musically, Carry On showcases The Pulltops’ signature blend of classic and modern elements. The track opens with atmospheric synth textures that quickly build into a driving beat, propelled by rich harmonies and dynamic guitar work. The contrast between the song’s introspective lyrics and its upbeat instrumentation creates an engaging duality—one that invites listeners to reflect while still making them want to move. There’s a palpable sense of urgency in the rhythm, as if the music itself is urging you forward, echoing the song’s central theme. One of the standout qualities of Carry On is its accessibility. This is a song that transcends genres and demographics, appealing to fans of alternative rock, pop, and even classic rock.

Euphony Blognet