Upon hearing
Chopper One's full-length debut,
Now Playing, you're automatically struck by the similarity to the catchy alterna-pop sounds of
Weezer. But there's a reason why both bands sound so similar; singer/guitarist
Jason Cropper is an ex-member/co-founder of
Weezer. And like
Rivers Cuomo, Cropper has the magic touch when it comes to writing sticky-sweet bubblegum rock. Although the two bands boast the same overdriven guitar sound ("Free Lunch"), peculiar humor ("Touch My Fuzz," "Hescher With a Gym Bag," etc.), and song durations of under three minutes,
Chopper One isn't as experimental as
Weezer. But Jason and bassist
Amy Cropper create stirring vocal harmonies, as heard on the standout track "Dynamite," sincerely melodic pop ("Cantankerous"), and
AC/DC-like hard rockers ("My Star"). A promising debut, if at times somewhat one-dimensional. ~ Greg Prato