I know it’s only a demo, but if this was recorded better it would probably gain half a star. Protohero aren’t bad – they’re not world beaters by any means – but the dastardly production really holds them back. It’s one of those recorded-in-a-garbage-can sounds which I think this kind of pop-punky sound really doesn’t suit. Anyway, this northern foursome do a basic melodic thing pretty well, throwing in some odd-timed and sometimes off-kilter drums to make them sound edgy and a little different. It doesn’t always work, but they get the thumbs up from me for at least trying not to be a US clone.
This five-track EP serves a purpose by showing the band are talented – ‘Good Question’ is solidly written and has a reasonable structure, although the vocals are a little too low in the mix and a better recording would really supplement the vocal harmonies. But again that’s not wholly the band’s fault. Primarily the band like to push the accelerator pedal down and once ‘Great Cock Fights of the Fifteenth Century’ gets going the band sound all the better for it. As I say, Protohero sound a little different from your average Joes and they’re worth checking out – I’d like to see if they can make some progression in a better studio next time though.
www.protohero.co.uk
Paul