Trigger Happy – Pennsylvania Quirks.

Trigger Happy – Butler, Pennsylvania, USA.

For a band that describe themselves as Indie Rock and Psychedelic Punk, this photo was by far the most fitting as a “first look” for newcomers.

Trigger Happy, a four-piece band from Pennsylvania, first discovered by MF at the tail end of 2014 in one of the many music groups we operate within in order to find new music for review. (HINT: Join groups – Discover new music).

I must admit, when the band’s very own Stephen King (har har) contacted me asking about Musically Fresh following our work with Folk Punks, Clem Mcgillicutty And The Burnouts, my eyebrows were raised after seeing the genre description. The bands influences give a good range, as you will see here:

‘Jack White, Local H, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Apples In Stereo, The Raconteurs, The Pixies, Bright Eyes, Nirvana, The Meat Puppets, Screaming Trees, The Velvet Underground, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Decemberists, The Who’

And, upon listening to the band, you get a real feel for the gritty nature of the guitar work, with a lurking bass deep below, poking its head up in earnest. A looming, well, what can only be described as ‘psychedelic’ flutter above it all. Which, with the upbeat vocals, adds a real quirky Indie feeling to the music. There’s even some brass occasionally, and we’re all about that brass, ’bout that brass.

A little insight into the band’s recorded works so far:

‘Coffin Fits’ – One of bands more up-tempo tracks, ‘Coffin Fits’ has a good-time Garage/Garage Punk feel to it’s collection of notes. I can see this being played in a small venue or ‘Live Band Night’ in a bar or pub, throwing out good vibes at the audience. I know that’s somewhat of cliche description, but you’ll get it when you give it a listen.

‘Don’t Beam Me Up’ – Has a bit more of that Psychedelic groove going on with some almost bluesy guitar work. The brass I mentioned earlier is a nice addition. Like the previous track, it’s a fun song! Plus, who wants to be beamed up when they’re having fun?

I must admit, recently re-watching Star Trek: The Next Generation meant that I appreciated this song a lot more. I may have to go watch the original series again now. Goodbye life. The band’s signature up-beat Psychedelia, propped up by gritty guitar rhythms and strong solos, mean it really works and is represented well here. It’s a strong contrast, but a welcome one.

‘Night Of The Living Dead’ – A slower, quirky slow groove of a number, with a quirky video to match. Slower in almost every aspect, it really is a chill-out song, for a hot summers day with a beer in hand or the point in a party when most people are passed out or too drunk to move. The guitar solo in particular is a highlight. I really hope this goes on the EP. Lyrically, it concerns the obvious and gives some good advice, ‘DON’T FORGET A BARRICADE’!

*The band’s debut was released on the 15th May 2015, so we have re-hashed this article to bring it up to date.*

To keep track of Trigger Happy click on the following links:

• For updates visit Trigger Happy on Facebook, Twitter and Reverbnation.
• For the band’s debut EP, head to bandcamp where it’s available for ‘FREE/Name Your Price’ download.

Now, #StayFresh (…and for God’s sake, remember a barricade)