VIA PRESS RELEASE | In the mid ’70s, Trigger earned a reputation along the Jersey Shore for their electrifying live shows, airtight harmonies, and arena-ready riffs, earning them a deal with Casablanca Records thanks to support from labelmates KISS. They are the reason Triumph didn’t name themselves Trigger, as first planned. Upon finishing their second album, Casablanca abruptly shuttered, their album shelved. Now, decades later, Second Round will finally be heard, offering a time capsule to a band at peak creativity—undeniably powerful, unapologetically melodic, and long overdue for the recognition.
Second Round finally brings to life the lost chapter of Trigger’s story. Their 1978 self-titled debut showcased dynamic songwriting and relentless energy, leading them to tour with Cheap Trick and The Godz. They quickly begin work on a second album. Recorded at the legendary Record Plant and Electric Lady Studios, Second Round would be the next step, but it was never released. Thanks to a record-collecting friend of guitarist Richie House, Ba Da Bing was made aware of this offense and devised plans to right things.
First up is “Sore Loser,” a powerhouse single that embodies the unfiltered energy and melodic punch of a ’70s hard rock who were the reason Triumph didn’t call themselves Trigger, as first planned. With scorching guitar solos, airtight harmonies, and a driving rhythm section, the track channels the band’s signature sound—equal parts grit and polish. “Sore Loser” is a testament to Trigger’s knack for crafting anthemic, high-voltage rock that feels both timeless and urgent. Now, 46 years later, the song finally gets its moment, proving that true rock and roll never fades—it just lays in wait for the right time to strike.
In early 1979, Trigger walked out of Electric Lady Studios with a completed second album. Mere months had passed since their self-titled debut came out on Casablanca Records, home to KISS and Parliament. The band had toured with Cheap Trick and The Godz, met Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell, and things were looking bright.
But Casablanca unexpectedly went bankrupt, and the label’s artists went into freefall. Trigger unsuccessfully sought interested parties, shelved the recordings and disbanded; a disappointing end for a band who dominated the Jersey Shore club scene on their way up with fiery, kick ass live shows.
RIP Trigger: 1973–1979.
Jump to 2024. Guitarist Richie House is living in Northern New Jersey with his wife, enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the community pool with neighbors. One of them, Andrew Wexler is shocked to discover his friend had a band in the ‘70s. He listens to their recordings, and as an avid record collector, assumes the mission of getting that unheard second album released. He writes to Ba Da Bing, a label with Jersey roots. Much excitement ensues.
Second Round’s long-awaited release will now be available. All original members—Derek Remington (vocals/drums), Jimmy Duggan (guitar/vocals), Tom Nigra (bass guitar/backing vocals), and Richie House (lead guitar/vocals)— are present on the recordings. Sadly, Duggan and Nigra have passed away, but Remington and House have overseen this reissue, with songs sourced directly from the analog masters.. The Trigger of today maintains a high level of quality, albeit with a bit less flair, and even less hair.
And there’s more going on here than at first listen. While the band carries the earmarks of their era—melodic hard-rock fashioned for Saturday night parties—they override the cliché with incredibly catchy songs. How would a ripping song like “Back Talk” have been received in 1979? It’s a question we’ll never be able to answer, but the raw energy of the track spans generations. “One In A Million” however, with its full harmonies and forceful chorus, could have easily made the soundtrack for Fast Times.
