Hawkes Bay’s heavy rock phenomenon Black Smoke Trigger returns with newest single Sun Cries Red, and we have a candidate for trademark song. Just as they prepare for their long anticipated album Horizons release at the start of August, the new single arrives and is going to turn heads. All over the place.

Band leader and guitar maestro Charlie Wallace shows us a number of guitars and guitar parts played in this rousing, full-throttle rock ballad as we watch the You Tube video unveil the band in the studio, performing the track for the cameras and opening up on some of their technique. We get treated to vocalist Baldrick in freakishly good form, with his throaty rock frontman’s pipes reaching the stratosphere and further. Honestly, the guy is f***ing phenomenal here.

Bass player Dan Fulton was apparently annoyed that the demo session for the song kept on after he’d gone nye-nyes, but he’s provided a thundering performance to thicken out and drive the song along. Together with Josh Te Maro‘s drum performance – composed thoughtfully and delivered virtuoso – the song is full and resonant, emotive and plaintive. What’s it about? From the EPK: The song lyrically is about looking back at something that is important but neglected, seeing something in a shadow of its former glory.

The composition is complex, and drummer Josh added some exquisite strings pieces that add more atmos and elevate the track even more, if that was possible. The four-piece are clearly on top of their game, and enjoying their studio work. Producer Nick Raskulinecz looked to be thoroughly enjoying the process too, if that’s him in the vid.

I’m a huge fan of the genre, and a huge fan of Black Smoke Trigger. My in-laws live in Hawkes Bay, so I get to visit the place from time to time. The region should be proud of these guys, because Black Smoke Trigger is a world class outfit. Go check the song out on You Tube – or wait for Juice TV because it will definitely hit there, and make sure you order the album!