There is no denying that Topheavy (http://www.topheavyrock.com), at least to these ears, sounds like early Goo Goo Dolls. You know, before that band became staples of Adult Contemporary radio stations with their unit-shifting ballads. While I hold no resentment towards alternative acts who finally cross over into the mainstream, it's fairly sickening to see once potent rock groups suddenly drown themselves in syrup - or would that be Goo? Topheavy thankfully remind me of the Goo Goo Dolls when they were still Good Good Good.
The Goo Goo Dolls were never a punk or hard-rock band although they did incorporate elements of both. Fans of the Replacements and Cheap Trick, the Goo Goo Dolls combined the metallic punch of their idols with a sweeter power-pop sensibility - and sensitivity. Topheavy seems to be following a similar path. "Down" and "Julie Says" are energetic college-rock tunes with crunchy guitars and pounding drums. The soaring vocal harmonies on "Julie Says" and "Happy Song" are something you don't hear on alternative radio anymore, and that gives Topheavy a fresh spin that is certainly most welcome.
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Many of these tracks, perhaps all, deal with girl troubles. Topheavy are not a satisfied lot, issuing plenty of angst on "Irritate" and "Words," wherein vocalist/guitarist Chris Wagner is ticked off at "the shit you put me through." "Happy Song" is actually not happy at all as Wagner laments, "When will you make me happy?"
Despite the broken hearts, Topheavy are never depressing and always revved up unlike their soulmates Goo Goo Dolls who are gradually descending into James Taylor territory. May you continue to rock on, lads.
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