CT CD Reviews

Concrete Trampoline - Hollywood Idles - 2004 - SFL Records
Northern Ohio punk rockers Concrete Trampoline are back again with their latest masterpiece of catchy skate punk rock! CT never seem to let me down, every single track that I have heard from them is a gem. "Hollywood Idles" is no exception, the band comes out firing on all cylinders with "Rat Race" and "No Regret", both of which float around the two minute mark. In this humble reviewers opinion, which is why I am reviewing the disc, CT does their best work around two minutes. All the tracks are fast, abrasive and exciting...what more do you want from a band, progression? Fuck that! Gimme a hard, quick dose of intense punk rock that will leave my toes tapping and my head bobbing throughout the album and the band's live set. Concrete Trampoline does just that all the way through "Hollywood Idles", the fast-paced, uptempo rock doesn't stop until the disc does. So there are ten tracks on "Hollywood Idles" and I already mentioned two of my favorite tracks on the album above, but wait there's more, I also got a kick out of "Hollywood Idles" and "Average Joe". You really can't go wrong with CT, as they play pub rock crossed with a true punk rock mentality, recalling the days of when punk was fun instead of a fashion show. Concrete Trampoline's album "Hollywood Idles" offers a killer look into the intensity, intellect and the piss your pants fun that the band can offer to everyone. Be sure go check out this album, from our friends SFL Records, and catch a live show...

Concrete Trampoline - ...Could Care Less - 2002 - SFL Records
Concrete Trampoline, a ska-punk rock influenced band have produced one helluva disc with "...Could Care Less." The album starts off with the not-too-poppy "Where's My Winnie Cooper", and continuing through to a skankier sound on "Friday Night" and wrapping up with a punkier style on "Mullet Town", CT really works it out and doesn't leave you empty handed. There are thirteen tracks of non-stop party 'til you can't take it music that's guaranteed to get you moving and singing along. On this release the band mixes up the vocal duties with the previous lead singer and today's front man. Personal changes within the band now sees them as a three-piece as opposed to a four-piece, but you really can't tell the difference in the full sounds that CT drops on you. Concrete Trampoline are creative and entertaining with the lyrics and riffs that they throw at you, it doesn't appear as though they follow any particular formula on the album. Everything is laid out right in front of you, pop, ska, punk, rock and fun. This is one of those kick back, enjoy, and try to take it all in albums that will certainly leave you with a smile on your face. -MG

Various Artists - You're Gonna Wanna Crank This Shit Volume 1 - 2003 - SFL Records
This is a sampler from Cleveland-based SFL Records, that has quite an eclectic mix of sounds on it. You can find classic punk, pop punk and even a tinge of oi in the twelve tracks that are on here. Six bands contributed to this disc: the Narcoleptics x5, the Indigents, Bad Habit, Concrete Trampoline, the Uppertanks, and the Facials. Once again, you just can't go wrong by picking up sampler CDs. Other than downloading songs from the internet, comps are the best way to check out new bands or new material from your favorite bands and still support them on the cheap. So check out all that SFL Records has to offer and check out these cool ass bands. My favorites on the disc are the Narcoleptic x5 and the Indigents...absolutely straight ahead old school punk that you don't want to miss. One last thought, Concrete Trampoline reminded me of another band from Ohio. Now, I dunno if there's a relation, but there used to be a band from Dayton called Charlie Hustle. The two bands sound remarkably similar, maybe its the ska influences, but if you like what you heard from Charlie Hustle, then Concrete Trampoline may be for you. -MG

and for the record we have never heard of Charlie Hustle (although they may be a good band)