I’ve been scared of writing about The Trigger Code for nearly two weeks, but that quote from the film All We Are Saying finally made a relevant point. Sometimes, four declarative words are all it takes.

Why was I scared?
Because generally when you find something you love, you want to keep it safe and protected.

Why do I like this band and its music?
Because they allow me to believe in restless spirits and wanton souls.

I first heard The Trigger Code at the Naked Without Us fashion and rock show. My girlfriends and I entered Exit/In and were climbing the steps to the restroom, when I stopped and said, “That’s really good,” as we paused for a moment. A few songs later, we were singing along to the chorus of “Black Carnation,” a song we’d never heard before but were so infected by it we couldn’t help ourselves. If memory serves, knowing a song upon first listen has only occurred twice in my life with R.E.M. and Better Than Ezra. Now The Trigger Code is included in that auspicious list. To me, that means something.

I had to see them again to dismiss any possible flukes, so our second round took place at 3rd & Lindsley for a WRLT Lightning 100 live broadcast. Upon a closer look, they embodied and embraced rock ‘n’ roll: raw, energetic, passionate, sexy, rebellious, and seeking truths beyond strippers, booze and buckets of blood. I purchased They May Lock Us Up, They May Make Us Bleed before leaving. I had to take these songs home. I had to listen to them at full volume with the windows down as I drove to Dan McGuinness for a post-show Dos Perros. Upon parking and meeting my friend, I exclaimed that I’d just heard what could be the best local music since Ligion and Westover. To those who know me, that means something.

INDIE BRAT: Who is Taylor Sorensen and where did he come from?
Taylor: I am who you see and I am not who you see … it really depends on how far in you’ve come. I come from a blue-collar family around Detroit. Grew up on little, but it was good. I’m learning that it’s darker than I used to think, but that’s all right. 

But if you Google his name, you are greeted with over 17,000 related results. At first, I thought he’d prefer to remain a bit of a mystery, but the Internet doesn’t allow him this. In years past, Taylor had released two solo efforts with Rocketown Records and opened for many Christian and MOR acts. Listener reviews of his album The Overflow on Amazon.com further emphasize his potential:

“The writing is good, the songs are well-produced, and several of the songs even deserve a listen from Bono himself. For a man that finds himself in conflict with a band that went into the woods, and band that loved God and came out a rock band (as U2 did) – this is the perfect reconciliation.”

“Taylor is the most talented young artist out there right now. You are hearing this here first, Taylor Sorensen will be the next ‘big name’ in music. He is very talented and his vocals are like none you have heard.”

Conflict indeed! Even the lyrics can be interpreted as a Q&A session: (each line below is taken from a different track)

When the road ends, who will be there to turn you back round?
Baby, that’s not the right way to go.

Anybody round here ever think about love?
Stay away from the black carnation.

Do you still know how to kiss, do you still know the drugs won’t work?
You can come along past midnight, all drunk into my door, you’re the one it’s open for.

Don’t you know you’re bulletproof?
We’re all in this thing together, we ain’t ever gonna die.

IB: Lyrically, you seem to ask a lot of questions yet offer many answers, is there a question you’re still searching for an answer to?
Taylor: There’s a million, I just don’t know what they are. Maybe that’s the first one to ask: What are all the other questions that I am looking for to ask?

But Taylor is not alone in his quest. He has his friends and bandmates who complete The Trigger Code line-up: guitarist, Greg Everret; bassist, Jeff Irwin; and drummer, Justin Meeks. The foursome met while in college, and has been together for nearly five years. The music they compose and perform completes the package. I simply cannot find any fault within the marriage of words and music. The instruments mirror the relentless energy or dramatic emotions of each message. When you hear it, I guarantee that you will be doing one of the following: nodding your head, tapping your fingers and feet, or singing along by the second chorus. I actually experimented this theory on a friend of mine yesterday. This friend is a tough rock cookie to crack, who prefers Ben Folds, Sublime and the kitschiest indie tracks you can find. We were listening to “Come On Let’s Do It, OK!” while driving to run a quick errand. Afterwards, he was shocked to find out that this band was local, commended the production, and admitted to banging his head a little (which is rare).

Upon reading the They May Lock Us Up… sleeve, I see that Taylor is responsible for nine other reasons why this album sounds so unique including harmonica, mellotron, and glockenspiel.

IB: How many instruments can you play, and through professional training or self-taught?
Taylor: I “can” play four or five. I can’t play any one of them terribly well, but you can get by with that in rock ‘n’ roll. I taught myself to play it all. I started out messing around on my Opa’s old upright, just playing by ear and that’s kind of what it was born out of.

Considering all the sounds-like-name-dropping-reference-crimes I’ve committed here, not to mention the ones I haven’t like Led Zeppelin and The Cult, I was curious about Taylor’s influences and day-to-day.

IB: Who/what are your influences and favorite bands?
Taylor: General influences aside from musical are people like Brando, Rilke, Van Gogh, Scorsese. Musically it’s Springsteen, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Elvis, U2, and of course The Rolling Stones.

IB: How do you spend your free time?
Taylor: Well, between mowing lawns, landscaping, working on cars and working on music, there tends to be little of that for me. When I can, I watch old movies, paint, read, work on my car, ride my motorcycle somewhere I’ve never been before; but mostly it consists of sleeping, eating, and trying to stay in shape. Got to take care of this heart of mine.

Finally, as much as I hate to ask what a song is about (as everyone has his/her own attachments, conditions, interpretations, etc.), I caved because (1) of the ability of “Black Carnation” to capture my attention, (2) “Reaction” is a love note that any girl in her right mind would want to receive and (3) I’ve been in a Radiohead-state lately.

IB: How did “Black Carnation” come about? Will it be on an upcoming CD or available for download in the near future?
Taylor: It’s a song written out of some anger. It’s a fictional sort of idea based around this flower that is one-of-a-kind, but it’s poisonous too. So, you can take it from there. I really don’t like defining songs to people. That’s one of the great things about art is that you can look at the same Van Gogh and see something totally different, but because it’s art they’re both just as valid. We are working on a recording of it right now. Not really sure about how we’ll get it out there though.

IB: Is “Reaction” about a particular girl? How does the story end?
Taylor: All I will say about “Reaction” is that it’s really not about a girl at all. I don’t really know how the story ends. But, I do know it’s good.

IB: To me “Bullet Proof” is a response to Radiohead’s “Bullet Proof…I Wish I Was,” is this because I’m a Radiohead-fiend or because it’s somewhat true?
Taylor: It’s because you’re a Radiohead-fiend. Sorry to disappoint. It’s actually in response to the film V for Vendetta. The night I saw it, I came home and sat down with my guitar and this chord progression came out of nowhere. Then the melody and lyrics just started to flow from images and thoughts in the movie. And seriously within half an hour that song was written. Love it when that happens.

Your next chance to see The Trigger Code will be on Aug. 4th at 3rd & Lindsley, in support of the Buy Me A New Leg benefit, and then during the Next Big Nashville showcases on Sept. 5-9. This is a must-see band. Trust me. Quote me. Go.