The Chop Tops deliver a high-velocity strain of rock and roll they call Revved-Up Rockabilly. It is a sound that feels like a vintage engine screaming at redline, blending the twangy, rhythmic swing of the 1950s with the aggressive, no-nonsense speed of early California punk. The music is defined by its relentless forward motion, anchored by a standing drummer who handles lead vocals with a gritty, soulful rasp.
What truly sets them apart is the interplay between the three members. You get the shimmering, reverb-soaked surf guitar lines that feel like a nod to Dick Dale, but played with a frantic urgency that borders on psychobilly. This is glued together by a percussive upright bass that provides a physical, thumping heartbeat, making the music feel tactile and dangerous. It is polished enough to respect the roots but raw enough to start a riot in a small club.
For those new to the band, Deadly Love is the essential starting point. It captures their mature sound where the surf influences and punk energy are perfectly balanced. It is the ideal soundtrack for anyone who appreciates the aesthetic of mid-century Americana but wants the volume and intensity of a modern underground show.
The Chop Tops are a rockabilly trio from Santa Cruz, California consisting of Sinner (vocals/standing drums), Shelby (guitar), and Brett Black (upright bass). The band was formed by Sinner in 1995, Shelby joined in 1999, and Brett came aboard in 2008. The band coined the phrase "Revved-Up Rockabilly" to describe their wild, upbeat blend of rockabilly, psychobilly, old punk, teddy boy, and surf music genres. The Chop Tops headlined their own national tours, toured with bands like Mad Sin and the Nekromantix, and opened for many bands, including the Dead Kennedys, Suicidal Tendencies, Dick Dale, John Lee Hooker, and Chuck Berry. Other accomplishments included having three of their songs featured in the video game WET, performing at several Warped Tours, and many years of playing the annual rockabilly festival Viva Las Vegas. In April 2012, the band made their first international tour appearing at dates across Australia (they were asked back and returned for another Australian tour in June 2013). The Chop Tops were sponsored by Murray's Pomade. Murray's has sponsored only two bands in its 90-year history, the Stray Cats and the Chop Tops. The group was also sponsored and endorsed by Gretsch guitars, Jim Dunlop, and T.U.K. shoes. The Chop Tops made their final appearance on April 3, 2015, at the 18th annual Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. The band was joined by guest performers Chantilly Lace Vincent (granddaughter of Gene Vincent) and Mario Valens (Ritchie Valens' younger brother). The band reunited in 2024 and began working on their 8th studio album entitled "Fabrikate". It was released on January 1st 2025. They announced they would be playing major selected cities across the US starting in April. The last two shows of this reunion tour ended with back to back shows in their hometown of Santa Cruz, CA in December 2025.
Shares analog warmth, live recording, studio polished (production style); energetic, rebellious, playful (moods)
Shares rockabilly, surf rock, punk rock (subgenres); energetic, rebellious, playful (moods)
Shares analog warmth, live recording, studio polished (production style); energetic, rebellious, playful (moods)
Shares analog warmth, live recording, studio polished (production style); energetic, rebellious, playful (moods)
Shares rockabilly, surf rock, punk rock (subgenres); raspy, crooning, intense (vocal style)
Shares energetic, rebellious, playful (moods); raspy, crooning, intense (vocal style)
Shares rockabilly, surf rock, punk rock (subgenres); raspy, crooning, intense (vocal style)
Shares energetic, rebellious, playful (moods); raspy, crooning, intense (vocal style)
Shares psychobilly, upright bass, rockabilly, surf rock (signature)
Shares psychobilly, upright bass, rockabilly, surf rock (signature)
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