Triggered – “Piss You Off”
Triggered is a fairly new band upon the local Boston scene.
I believed they formed shortly before the shit hit the fan (Covid) and I reviewed their first recording.
I also saw them play the Midway around the same time and was duly impressed.
And then the shit hit the fan.
But recently, I saw them play again at the Midway and now they have their first proper release, with some of their great songs already reviewed- so I’ll focus on the new ones.
Though a new band, some of the faces I recognize from bands I’ve reviewed before- like The Martians, Taxi Driver and Mickey Rickshaw. Though I see no need of mentioning, of seeing some of their pictures up at the local post office on the F.B.I. most wanted list.
Triggered is unique to me because though, most of the bands I write about are hardcore and punk, I would describe this band as thrash/punk.
They also add hardcore in their description of themselves, which is quite valid, as the lyrics are commentary on social and political issues- but the rhythms are pure thrash metal being one of my favorite metal musical styles.
And besides having a unique sound it’s a sound I really like.
(Editor’s note: “Be wary as Slimedog’s favorite metal genre is “hair metal” which is certainly not mine.”)
So let’s pull the trigger and take a shot at this new release:
“Triggered” begins with a machine gun, machine-like, motorized rhythm like Motorhead taken to the tenth degree. When the words come spiraling out; they follow a path much like the rhythms or more so, like a cyclone swirling objects up into the sky with ease.
The vocals are emphatic and clear like early hardcore, like early rap. “Stop being so triggered, everyone’s got the right to be heard. We got problems much bigger.”
I have no problem with songs that make me think of Jello Biafra being backed by Slayer, or Motorhead backing Zack De La Rocha. Or songs that are so powerfully potent that I really don’t need to bring up classic artists but just admit this song stands up to those high standards.
Starting with an awesome drum roll while guitars wail to the rockin’, rocketing rhythm that makes me think of a song off of “Fun House” by the almighty Iggy & The Stooges- “80 New Condos” is quickly constructed and is over before a blink of an eye.
Kind of like how the ownership of city property will be unattainable in the future, only owned by corporations as their servants, the corporate workers, live in their borrowed shacks (condos).
“Trying to get away from the pain, stuck a needle right up into your vein. Don’t have enough to get on the train. Heroin is destroying your brain.”
So begins “Fuck Dope” a totally, over the top hardcore assault of sound and an avalanche of rhythms with vocals that spit out venom and anger as easily as one breathes.
This song is only thirty seconds long but each second, each word is worth thirty times of it in value. My favorite tune on this release.
“Ever wonder why the war won’t end?”
With a powerful beat and an awesome echoey sounding bass line “Central Bank” starts out like a Cure song from the eighties only played much faster. Plus, the vocals remind me of Stan Ridgway of one of my favorite bands from then- Wall Of Voodoo.
This song builds and simmers, rocks and ignites like a riot about to happen and has a wild, excellent guitar solo to boot!
“Why does a war never end.” Because wars are fought to make money, not for just causes and no businessman wants to close shop while money is still being made.
I know that “triggered” is a new popular phrase that refers to something that sets off someone who has been a victim of sexual or emotional abuse and as someone who has experienced the later in my early life, I don’t want to make light of people who’ve experienced these feelings.
So what this band does trigger in me- is a feeling of life and excitement, of emotion and energy. A sense of driving passion even as they express a sad acknowledgement of the failure and pain of our government, our society and our everyday lives.
Triggered may have been delayed from firing off at its full trajectory by the Corona virus but it did not stop them as they seem fully intact with an intent to continue on.
What else can you do?
All of the government and societies failings will not defeat them either but just add determination to their music and their art.
Maybe the old bastards, the powers that be, will win a few rounds but my money will still be on the young ones who are so able, aware and intelligent.
And with this release that has such astute and potent words backed by music that reflects the anger and conviction to change it.
I think I may be right.
(Slimedog)
