No Trigger

No Trigger: CanyoneerCanyoneer (2006)
Nitro Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: InaGreendaseBrian
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Published on March 21st 2006Building hype can be such a fatal practice when you truly believe in what you're trying to gather people together for, but it's all the more promising when the item in question delivers just what you've been promising the people they'd receive (in your own eyes, at least). It's more that the item li.

Building hype can be such a fatal practice when you truly believe in what you're trying to gather people together for, but it's all the more promising when the item in question delivers just what you've been promising the people they'd receive (in your own eyes, at least). It's more that the item lives up to your own expectations rather than others', but when the product is in your hands and everything you've expected, it's a great feeling.

What I'm really trying to say is, No Trigger's first full-length, Canyoneer is fantastic.

The Massachusetts natives have developed their brand of metaphorically political, melodic hardcore/punk to the point where matching it up with Bill Stevenson's perfect production for the genre (generally loud, with the guitars turned up to 11 and the vocals at a mix that highlights aggression) results in one of the finest pure punk rock offerings this year will see (and a few other surrounding years, for that matter). Tom Rheault continues to use a plethora of physical objects to convey his reactions to the sociological and political infrastructure existing within both mainstream and underground culture, all the while offered in a heartily consistent number of generally great songs that rarely miss a beat, instead actually offering quite an assortment of unpredictable moments.

While the first half of the album may eclipse its latter a bit between the excellently sincere chorus of "Neon National Park" and flawless "pickup" transition and resulting melodic breakdown in "Fish Eye Lens" amongst other moments, it doesn't include "More to Offer." Frankly, it's quite possibly the best song the band's written and recorded to date. Exhibiting an amplified urgency and call to arms change, Rheault examines the troublesome lack of gender diversity within punk rock; the song appropriately features female vocalist Hayley Helmericks of Denver indie rock outfit Monofog, which adds a completing element even as her contribution is limited to some layering of the chorus.

However, the band may not be able to fully shake the Strike Anywhere comparisons quite yet, especially as there are a few noticeable moments from where influence is clearly drawn. "The Honshu Underground," a song referencing the band's exploding popularity in Japan around the release of the early material compilation Extinction in Stereo, fades out with an acoustic guitar part -- vocal-less here at least -- that's a bit reminiscent of SA's "Antidote." The poppyness of opener "The (Not So) Noble Purveyors..." and the urgency of "Owner Operator" both harken to SA's Chorus of One era as well. Additionally, it's clear the band has been playing a bit of Bigwig in the van; both the bridge of "My Woods" and the intro of the 45-second blast "You Said It" offer metallic, briefly wanky guitar solos that certainly cement the comparison. And didn't the New Jersey skatepunks in question write a song called "Owned and Operated" for their own last effort, released only last month? Funny coincedence...

Still, it's clear No Trigger is starting to otherwise implement their influences more intelligently and originally, thus beginning to forge a path of their own that will likely be much more than an abbreviated, narrow road on the atlas of punk and hardcore.

MP3
The Honshu Underground

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More to Offer

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

unity3990 (March 11, 2009)

Note: The Honshu Underground is about the dropping of the A-bomb in Japan in 1945.

T-Rock (June 28, 2007)

Definitely some of the best new talent on the scene right now.

folking_victim (October 21, 2006)

I had never really listened to No Trigger, even though a few of them grew up the next town over and were often talked about. But when our friends from Worcester-based punk band Smartbomb went on tour with them, I gave them a listen and was greatly dissappointed that it took me this long to discover their talent.
Go see them with None More Black if you get the chance. Maybe it was just the UMass Amherst environment, but they put on one hell of a show.

Stefano (September 6, 2006)

bunch of DOUCHEBAGS!

Sanada (April 19, 2006)

I just got this album a few days ago, it has been on my player since then. This album is what I've been looking for, every single song.
Awesome band which I'm expecting very much of in the future.

modelcitizen (April 18, 2006)

agreed. this is a pretty sweet record. my band is getting the honor of opening for them next month. they said it's their first time to st louis so it should be kicking.

Anonymous (March 28, 2006)

This is what punk rock is all about. Loud, melodic, and catchy as hell. This is without a doubt my favorite punk album of the year so far. The only cd that tops it so far this year is Dragonforce-Inhuman Rampage but they aren't punk.

Anonymous (March 28, 2006)

Guy complaining about it sounding like label reps posting here.. I know this is a virtually unknown phenomenon in the punk scene, but some people, when they like a record, actually want to promote that band so they get more fans, out of the pure love of good music.

Not to mention, when you do that, you're increasing the potential album sales and thereby increasing the potential that the band will tour to your area more often and put out more records in the future.

That said, I like this record. It's a little monotonous at times, they need to learn to write songs that distinguish themselves from each other a bit more, but it's still a good record to enjoy when you are in the mood, and shows a lot of potential for the future.

crazytoledo (March 25, 2006)

*with some edge*

You know, I really wish there was an edit feature.

crazytoledo (March 25, 2006)

I love this adrenaline filled punk rock with a some edge.

'Honshu Underground' is the perfect song to listen to right before a game of basketball . Pumps me up big time!

dieselboy (March 25, 2006)

totally for old school fans of NITRO, like JUGHEADS REVENGE and ONE HIT WONDER!!!

Anonymous (March 24, 2006)

It's not the comments themselves. I think this band is good, nothing mindblowing, but they do what they do pretty well. It's how the comments are worded.

"This is a perfect melodic hardcore record"

"This CD comprises of extremely melodic hardcore tunes influenced by bands such as Good Riddance Strike Anywhere and Bigwig etc whilst having a style of their own. Fantastic 'punchy' album that any fans of the above bands should own."

It just doesnt sound like comments from people who BUY punk records, it sounds like people who are trying to SELL them.

Anonymous (March 23, 2006)

For the person who said, "Fuck the hype machine."

Yes there was a ton of hype surrounding this record. Before I got it I was worried that it wouldn't live up to all the hype. When I got it, it was exactly what I expected, a very good melodic hardcore record. They don't make melodic hardcore like they used to, but this band does a damn good job. You have to give them that. If you don't like the style then don't comment.

Anonymous (March 23, 2006)

"Some of these comments REEK of street teamers and/or label dudes."

Or maybe it's just a really fucking good album

Anonymous (March 23, 2006)

Some of these comments REEK of street teamers and/or label dudes. Fuck the hype machine.

Anonymous (March 23, 2006)

This CD comprises of extremely melodic hardcore tunes influenced by bands such as Good Riddance Strike Anywhere and Bigwig etc whilst having a style of their own. Fantastic 'punchy' album that any fans of the above bands should own.

Mute98 (March 22, 2006)

this cd is amazing

Anonymous (March 22, 2006)

This is an amazing cd. I can't wait til they get out here on the west coast. This band kicks ass. Nitro has some great records coming out this year.

ThomPunkAheaddotcom (March 22, 2006)

To person talking about no band being original today, yeah fair enough point, but there is a limit and this band hasn't changed much in my eyes.

Inspection12e (March 22, 2006)

Great CD

danperrone (March 22, 2006)

i was a little underwhelmed with this one due to all the hype, but it was still decent

Flowbee (March 22, 2006)

This a better Strike Anywhere album than "Exit English."

Ok, I kid, but this is really good and it is very Strike Anywhere-esque at parts. Nothing wrong with that, I'm a sucker for this style of melodic hardcore. I look forward to seeing these guys with The Sainte Catherines and New Mexican Disaster Squad in a few weeks, I bet the live show is a fun time.

Anonymous (March 22, 2006)

Don't talk about "target markets" on here. That industry mumbo jumbo makes me want to wretch. What are you their manager?

LeightonESmith (March 22, 2006)

This cd is so close to perfect melodic hardcore its not funny. So what if its not an obvious movement in a new direction. Why can't a song be good without a comparison to the way that it sits with the pages of history. These guys are champions and it is a fucking solid cd. I've been listening to it for weeks and i can say that it does get boring after a while but if you listen to it at a good time, it does all the right things and takes you to a good place, basically its a vindication for anyone that loves punk music. If you are reading this then you are probably a person that will like this cd. Perfect music for this target market. If you are looking for something to rival this cd, stay tuned for the new Ignite cd (and maybe Good Riddance and Rise Against).

omfgfaggotry (March 22, 2006)

sXenster = biggest name dropper on pn.org CONGRATS BRO!!!!

sXenester (March 22, 2006)

their guitarist works at a newbury comics kinda by me. very, very nice guy. real pumped to tour with Streetlight and the Aquabats!. also, they're fans of the site.

i need to check this shit out.

Anonymous (March 22, 2006)

I love melodic hardcore to death. It's one of, if not my favorite, genre and I love this. This record is every bit as good as i had expected, and I think these guys have a great future ahead of them, as well as Crime In Stereo, whose album is actually better than this one. A tough call, but I like them both about equal.

-phdecontrol

bobbett (March 21, 2006)

oh yeah. score!

bobbett (March 21, 2006)

getting more and more excited to see them this weekend at one of marathon's last shows.

darkstarm (March 21, 2006)

I don't care who these guys sound like: that is some bad ass album art.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

I just can't get enough of these guys, I can't wait till a record shop in New Zealand picks it up but I think it will be quicker to buy a copy in july when I am state side.

martin*
NZ09

Scruffy (March 21, 2006)

I agree with ElVaquero wholeheartedly. It's good, but not amazing.
Reading this thread, I feel the way other people must feel when they read me talking about The Loved Ones.

ElVaquero (March 21, 2006)

This album would be really great for someone deeply into melodic hardcore, but as a casual fan it all seems to blend together. Definitely a solid effort though, and tons more exciting than the new Bigwig.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

This shit is awesome. I dl'd it and now I plan on buying it

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

eh not bad. not a record of the year by any stretch though.

BizzleBrizzle (March 21, 2006)

it's alright, but the demo/EP was better

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Hmmm....Sounds a bit like Good Riddance

boba_fett (March 21, 2006)

on the path to hugedome, this band is.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

The person below me... give it up, NO BAND is original these days. The least you can do if you're ripping off another band's style is do it well.

This album is so good, and No Trigger does the Strike Anywhere sound well.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

I don't get it. This is band is such a ripoff. Don't you guys crave at least a drop of origional sound in a band?

ThomPunkAheaddotcom (March 21, 2006)

I don't get the big fuss over this band. They sound pretty unoriginal to me, there's loads of bands like these.

RecordTheory (March 21, 2006)

this is a pretty kickass record. does anyone else hear smoke or fire in this at all?

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Sorry, forgot to give them props-oldpunker-

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Wow, so far... Although its early in 06... This is cd of the year unless someone else can take this down, until that happens, this is the champ of o6-oldpunker-

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Deer smashing squirrel squishin' machine.

TheMarc (March 21, 2006)

More positivity! This album kills.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

They need to change the title to "Canyonero"...

-sickboi

Frankff (March 21, 2006)

I rank Canyoneer second best record of the year so far. It only loses to the Larry Arms' Oh! Calcutta!.

almostpunkenough (March 21, 2006)

simply fucking awesome. few albums can make me rock this fucking hard.

"i've got a shovel and a future that says...."

so goddamn good. it's so early but this may very well be in my top 5 of 2006. top 10 is definite.

Ollywood (March 21, 2006)

I can't wait to win this

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Bullet Train To Vegas' We Put Scissors Where Our Mouths Are, Wilhelm's Mute Print, Aquabats' Charge!! and Letters Oragnize Dead Rhythm Machine.

Wanna know the similarities between the above mention and No Trigger's Cayoneer?

All phenomenal Nitro debut records.

Ramo

DarrenMcLeod (March 21, 2006)

Really good album... Nitro's been getting some great releases lately.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Wow. An overhyped Bigwig/Strike Anywhere ripoff. And for the record, Bigwig wasn't even good to begin with.

the_other_scott (March 21, 2006)

is a canyoneer someone that drives a canyonero?

once i'm not broke (which at this pace will be around next winter) maybe i'll pick this up, i've heard a lot of good things

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

Tremendous album, best Ive heard this year.And that comes from how often I give it a spin.

aubin (March 21, 2006)

Great record. Another solid release from Nitro.

Anonymous (March 21, 2006)

I've been ignoring this band. I really should get on it now. Sounds awesome.