Triggerland…

This project was created in response to a burning question being asked all
over the country: “The fictional gun creation myth told by “triggerLand” is
but a vehicle for addressing a larger issue,” writes Sean Neukom. “How does a society move forward in the face of
unwillingness to consider new conversation or opposing points of view?” About the music, he says, “Featuring the
virtuosic nature of the string quartet, the principal developing material of the music is found in the quartet writing,
though the drum parts also play a major role. Each track embodies a different style of the progressive rock, metal, or
indie rock through the lens of chamber music and modern composition.”

The musical and thematic influences on “triggerLand” derive from a multitude of rock, pop, film, and classical
sources. The initial narration is meant to evoke the voice of an action-film movie trailer, leading us into a mysterious
realm of wonder, horror, and myth. Hip-hop, stoner rock, Spaghetti Westerns, Dream Theater, Radiohead, Civil War
movies are but some of the sources for the project. Selling a potentially deadly weapon in the manner of “as seen on
TV” is juxtaposed with a section poking fun at the cliché of “thoughts and prayers.”

Available May 25th, 2023.

Narration

Part i: Intro

In a made up land from minds now gone--where not death nor greed can belay the claims of goodwill--there was a young worker who mined in pastures green and tall. He lived in a wholesome town blessed by Arterio, son, and Totem. One day, in pursuit of shale, a missed strike unveiled a mineral, new and strong. Alvin took the monochrome finding home to fashion—through clashes and blows—a new invention made with passion. Of all the shiny creations on his workstation, one short, cylindrical fragment drew his soul like a magnet. The object that wouldn't shed his gaze he called a bullet. Little did he know, this bullet would carve a new dawn,dressed with shiny vigor, made with rigor, made by hand, by it this wholesome town would transform into a grand triggerLand.

Part ii: Wrenched

Upon examining the bullet, Alvin's vest caught on the desktop. The bullet fell and on impact exploded. With emotions growing at the thought of such a demonstration, Alvin sought to craft a tube through which the bullet could be controlled and aid in his excavations.

Part iii: Spin it!

Over dinner his friends sat in awe at such a tale and immediately jumped to discussing the sale of the invention. Alvin agreed, but with apprehension as to how the product could begin to appeal to anyone not in steel or excavation. His friends grinned and all said, “easy, we'll spin it!”

Part iv: Modern Cowboys

Quickly the new tool stooped to cruel uses and ceased to exist for its original intent. To the lament of the present, Alvin turned his head instead of working for truth. Fathers fell to white noise. Scholars turned to decoys. And soon modern cowboys roamed the town, each with this new invention by his side.

Part v: Color of Money

In the years that passed bureaucrats cast holy light on Alvin's invention. Measures were taken to ensure no judge could establish regulation to the detriment of profits. Hand to Arterio, everyone seemed eager to team with the never-ending parade of dollars. Such yellow collars were deadly to Alvin's already decayed inventing, like faded colors awash with squashed dreams.

All that remained was the color of money.

Part vi: Felling Hazel

The wholesome town decided to throw a grand dance and derby. At the request of Alvin, the townsfolk were required to remove their arms and lay them bare on a table. Kids were scampering and gathering to dance. The thumping, rocking vibrations knocked one loose. Alvin watched his invention float down in time-less motion. A familiar explosion. The girl with hazel eyes felled by something fatal.

Part vii: In Prayer

Through the dark hours of this night, protect and surround us, Arterio, son and totem. Forgive the goodwill that we have stolen. Forgive the pride that we have shown. Forgive the harm towards wood and pastures and grant us an azure rise that we might sleep peacefully and bring your goodwill to all. Through the dark hours of this night protect and surround us, Arterio, son and totem.

Part viii: triggerLand

Walking home from the funeral, Alvin's mind spun. Does he work for regulation, some guidelines to ensure the duration of his creation? Or does he walk back the ascension of his passionate invention? With the left hand he pockets a loss of lifestyle and profits for all. With the right he stops another death from happening. Beaten down he lets time stand still. He finds himself in an act-less state that he built and helped others create. His personal place at hand. A modern stagnate.

A decision-less triggerLand.