Album Review: Black Smoke Trigger – Horizons (Self Released)

Having exploded onto the global scene in 2019 with their debut EP, ‘Set It Off’, New Zealand’s Black Smoke Trigger will now release their highly-anticipated debut album, ‘Horizons’, on August 2nd, 2024.

If there was pressure to deliver on this new album (and there must have been some), Black Smoke Trigger aren’t showing any effects. Delivering a twelve-track rock album that lives up to anthemic expectations, and then some. Where any occasional lulls or lack of sparks are massively outweighed by the groovy, energetic, sometimes moody, sometimes fun, and often interesting overall vibe.

Horizons has so much potential, thanks to its incredibly accessibility, but that doesn’t mean it’s an album lacking substance. Sure, it might be track after track that excites the senses from varied directions, but it’s also got plenty of thought-provoking aspects and emotional weight. The goal for Black Smoke Trigger wasn’t to write something that was sure to have widespread appeal, rather that came about via their natural talents, and they are talented.

Talented because it takes more than just good riffs, groovy rhythms, and punchy choruses to stand out in this genre. Especially when the modern giants of the rock world have a tight grip on things and comparisons are inevitable. It would be a straight up lie to suggest that Black Smoke Trigger are unique, but to say they don’t have fresh ideas and deliver a rollicking sound that is very enjoyable regardless of originality, would also be a lie.

Sometimes it’s just fine and dandy to rock out to a band with the riffs and hooks to make it so. Sometimes it’s just fine and dandy to sing along loudly to vocals that have immense power, tons of heart and soul, and can be mightily vulnerable too. Hell, sometimes it’s just fine and dandy to not be overly analytical about music. Which is something Black Smoke Trigger’s debut album encourages. Enjoy the rock, enjoy the groovy power, enjoy the melodrama, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re hearing the next big arena rock band.

There are many highs. Easy anthems like Phantom Pain, Learn to Crawl, Psycho, and Never Dies. Melody-laced and dramatic efforts like Perfect Torture and Sun Cries Red. Heavier and groovier listens like K. M.T.L., The Way Down, and Set Me on Fire. Across the entire album, there’s a little something for everyone, and no track ever fails to sound exactly like Black Smoke Trigger.

Chances are, you’re going to love the hell out of this record, and even if you don’t, you’ll be all too aware that you’re going to be hearing a lot about this band going forward.

Black Smoke Trigger – Horizons Track Listing:

1. Phantom Pain
2. K. M.T.L
3. The Way Down
4. Perfect Torture
5. Proof of Life
6. Learn To Crawl
7. Set Me on Fire
8. Psycho
9. One More Chance (Don’t Let It Slip Away)
10. Never Dies
11. Sun Cries Red
12. Promise

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