Chris Mars

Chris Mars' second album, 75% Less Fat, follows the same pattern as his debut, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Like its predecessor, the record is a one-man band (Mars plays everything) collection of appealingly rough-edged power-pop driven by ringing guitar hooks and surprisingly sweet and catchy melodies. Unlike most one-man projects, 75% Less Fat actually rocks -- there's a loose, unhinged feeling to the rhythms that make the music sound like a group effort. Mars' songs might be a little inconsistent, but the album has an endearing, ragged charm that makes it hard to dislike. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi