Doc Hopper

Ask Your Mom (Ringing Ear)
by Chaz Thorndike

Boston’s favorite punkpop heroes release another great album. Originally from Maine, on a New Hampshire label, but billed as a Boston band, Doc Hopper is the pride and joy of New England. If you think Letters To Cleo is our region’s darlings, you’ve chosen your side of the fence, and I will continue to throw all heavy objects within arms’ reach at you until you go away. Doc Hopper won the WBCN Rumble in 1995. For whatever that’s worth. But it’s a sign – the masses can appreciate fast and fun “punk rock” despite Beantown’s reputation for being powerpop capital of the world. The differences run far deeper than mere pace; Doc Hopper is a punk band that plays infectious, feel-good songs exploding with energy, wit, melody, and harmony. Much like the first few All albums, the good doctor gives the right advice in a reassuring voice. Many have dragged the Descendants into this, but the Doc is harder, has a more rock/metal edge, and doesn’t have Milo’s magical sensitivity. (Don’t feel bad, nobody does.) Comparisons aside, Doc Hopper has an identity, style, and humor all their own. The Monkee’s cover, “Sunny Girlfriend,” is a great cow-punk ditty. The rest is melodic, balls-out, and catchy as a fishhook thrown into the powerpop school of thought. Doc Hopper rules. Buy this.