HITS Magazine Review

HITS Magazine - July 26, 2002

Massachusetts native Copely is the latest manifestation of what is once again becoming a commercially viable hybrid: the axe-slinging singer-songwriter with matinee-idol looks. Produced by David Werner, himself a rockin' writer-artist back in the '70s, and A + R'd by Steve Ralbovsky, who discovered rockin' writer-artist Matthew Sweet, Copely's debut album specializes in midtempo tracks that escalate into anthem-level choruses and feature instrumental passages that isolate Copely's guitar chops. Fronting a studio band anchored by powerhouse drummer Josh Freese and collaborating with Werner on all 11 songs, Copely is earnest and intense throughout, but never more so than on the single "Surprise," a shotgun marriage between Pete Yorn's "Life on a Chain" and Everclear's "Santa Monica."