TRAMPLE are a Tampa, Florida based hardcore band that features on guitar Charles Chaussinand, formerly of MAKE OR BREAK, and the current fella behind the always excellent Get Outta Town Records. As a reference point, TRAMPLE align themselves with the punchy, raw stylings of bands like JUDGE or SICK OF IT ALL, but the songwriting isn’t quite on that level (when is it ever?). Chaussinand, and fellow guitarist Davin Asiala perfectly create a classic crunchy guitar tone, and their playing is by far, the band’s most distinctive element. With the exception of “No Weak Links,” the band’s drumming is undeniably basic and while vocalist/shouter Dave Conrad isn’t a detriment to the group, his voice wouldn’t readily leap out from an audible line-up. The one thing that really does come flying out of Strike When Provoked is the liveliness of the recording and the nearly uncontrollable urge to shout along with the gang vocals. I’ll take off-the-charts enthusiasm and solid guitar playing any day over the remaining average elements. Strike When Provoked is a cool debut EP, but I imagine that the band’s live show is where the best action occurs.

Significant Records

www.significant-records.com