Customer Reviews

Trampoline

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Trampoline is a really intriguing album because it definitely divides the fan base of a band so definitively rooted in jam-band culture and folk-rock- this is Jack Antonoff's pop album and one needs look no further than "Alone on the Sea" to see that Jack was listening to a solid amount of Arcade Fire.

So Jack's vocal style and song writing style have shape shifted to a simpler, Beatles-style attempt at writing a great pop album (with some hints of the folk-rock that Steel Train did so well on Twilight Tales). The results are pretty average, and the blame lies solely on Jack. This man is absolutely fantastic at playing guitar. Why does everything have to be so simple? Jack rarely rips it on this album, preferring to stay in the background of most songs... if your favorite writer decided to write a little bit less and keep it all a bit more streamlined for the sake of making it easier to read, I think you'd be pissed off and that's how I feel when I listen to Trampoline.

Overall, this isn't a bad album- Firecracker is a really awesome song, Diamonds in the Sky is an incredible pop tune, and Leave You Travelling and Women I Belong To both remind me a little bit of Twilight Tales. But regardless, Steel Train does not deserve to be lauded for this album because they waste the talent that they have and choose instead to sound simpler to appeal to a broader audience.

Steel Train's Trampoline is hands down my favorite album of 2007. Although it deals with the same topics as the band's previous release, Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun, it does so with more cheerful melodies and catchier lyrics. Trampoline's upbeat tunes lift the listener into its energy. It's impossible to listen to this album without being drawn into some sort of outward expression of the music. I listen to it as I run everyday and it gives me just the energy I need. Trampoline isn't an album that you'll get sick of anytime soon. My favorite tracks are "I Feel Weird," "Black Eye," "Kill Monsters in the Rain," "Firecracker," and "Alone on the Sea."

I first heard of Steel Train almost four years ago when I saw them open for The Hush Sound. At the show they were wild, crazy, and fun. I couldn't help but love a band that covered Mamma Mia and had no qualm's about it. Further, we hit it off at the merch stand when I found out they were from New Jersey and grew up, practically, in my dad's backyard.
I bought their album Trampoline at the show and proceeded to listen to it non-stop for the next two years. When it comes to the list of albums that changed my life, Trampoline is definitely on there.
This gem is a mash up of inspirations from so many great albums and artists, with the boys getting their biggest inspirations from the big man himself, Bruce Springsteen.
Of course, what do you expect from a band that's from New Jersey? Trampoline starts out with a song that's fun to dance and jump around to. I Feel Weird was the first single and it's so fantastic, hitting on things that affected Jack personally, ie: the 9/11 attacks.
The boys weave a story through music that is beautiful and heart wrenching. You can hear Jack's pain in "Alone on the Sea," and you can hear something tragically beautiful in the song "Dakota."
This is an album that everyone should hear at least once in their life. It's gorgeous and amazing. You won't be disappointed.

Taking a marked departure from their debut album, Steel Train has released a consistent yet diverse record that is at times exhilarating, introspective, surprising, and painfully honest. There is not one weak song in its near-hour of fantastic music, from the xylophone-rock opener "I Feel Weird" to the near-country ballad "Women I Belong To" that closes out the album with heartbreaking sincerity. One of the more promising sophomore offerings of recent memory, 'Trampoline' never disappoints and never gets old.

Standout tracks: Alone on the Sea, A Magazine, I've Let You Go

Out of the past thirty to fifty cd's i have purchased this the the best. easy to listen to laid back tunes with clever lryics and excellent beats. one of the best cd's I have ever heard

The Steel Train has arrived at the station, and finally, it has arrived on time. With what may be an unprecedented concoction of indie, folk, and pop-desirability, Trampoline, Steel Train's sophomore release, begs any listener who comes its way to be devoured, spat out, and devoured all over again. However, when I first learned Steel Train was working on a new album, I didn't expect to hear a track-listing so radically different from that which is on their freshman release. For while their EPs and subsequent full-length, Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun were more than good, causing many a critic to step back and listen once more, there was a critical element missing which leaved me unbalanced and marginally unsatisfied. Apparently, my sentiments came across loud and clear, for not only does Steel Train manage to avoid the deep, dark pit of Sophomore Slump Land, Trampoline is sure to be a forerunner in the unofficial race for the ever-popular Top Albums of 2007 list, including mine.

Steel Train are finally back with their new album "Trampoline!" This album is guaranteed to get some attention! I was expecting a great album but "Trampoline" is even more than I was looking forward to! Steel Train has changed a lot in the last few years and that is evident in this album. Back in 2005 they sounded sorta folksy but now they have an awesome indie rock sound that is totally fun, new and exciting! It is far better than all of there previous work combined, in my opinion. Overall, "Trampoline" is an awesome album with great lyrics and fantastic guitar work. From what I have heard , Steel Train's live show is amazing as well, I am totally bummed that I wont get to see them till next year. But if your given the opportunity be sure to catch them on tour this fall with Socratic, Ace Enders and Kevin Devine.

this album should definitely break out steel train. seriously, i was never a HUGE fan of steel train, i liked a few songs here and there, but this album definitely changed that. it is such a good album, and i highly recommend it to anyone. it's amazing.

I am here to tell you guy's that if your going to purchase any album at all right now, or in your near future. This has to be that CD! wither your a longtime Steel Train fan, or you are just getting started with listening to their amazing music, this is the CD for you. This is the CD for everyone! It's brilliant rock-and-rolls jams like this that should be america's true past-time! Every track on this album is perfect in my personal opinion and it will be a heavily listened to CD in my life the next few years to come!! My favorite song on this album is "kill Monsters In The Rain"

Also, don't forget to check out Steel Train on tour this fall w/ Ace Enders, Socratic, & Kevin Devine. I saw them on this tour october 12th and it was the best night of my life!!!

Steel Train are back with their new album "Trampoline" which is guaranteed to turn a few heads this time around. This album blew me away. "Trampoline" is a record that I was not expecting from this band. I couldn't believe it was the same band that put out 2005's "Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun." Their sound has changed from an incredibly mellow-folk to flashy, in-your-face upbeat indie pop rock with vocals similar to The Arcade Fire. The CD starts off incredibly strong. The third track, "Kill Monsters in the Rain," is by far my favorite of the album. It has that traditional folk sound that older Steel Train fans have come to love. The rhythmic and melodic song has everything going for it, from strong chords to tight vocals and fun lyrics; this song is the breakaway hit of the album. "Along in the Sea" is an indie pop gem which shows just how bright the band can shine. Overall, "Trampoline" is a solid disc with great hooks and fantastic guitar work. In addition, Steel Train's live show is not to be missed. Be sure to catch them on tour this fall with Socratic, Ace Enders and Kevin Devine.