The Protectors

Wakefield's sons The Protectors are in The Hop tonight to showcase tracks from their debut album. The guys have been due to play here for a while but their shows have been cancelled, so we are eager to catch them live.



They are actually down to play under Japanese Voyeurs and Humanfly, but both bands have pulled out due to things that tie all bands up at some point; illness and lack of transport. The Air Is Thick have just finished when I arrive at the venue, a shame as the last chords sounded good! With the bill cut in half The Protectors, made up of members of Wakefield's finest past bands like Pylon, Chopper, Codify, Nathaniel Green and Dugong, have time to kill. With only one album at the moment this could be very trying for some bands but these guys are so relaxed (it's like one big family in The Hop) they have time to crack a few jokes. That and interesting facts… Did you know that their collective age is 100?

To the songs then, these are gritty up beat indie rock songs about local stuff like parts of Shipley. Sang with a true Northern accent (it's hard to leave behind when you're from Yorkshire) this adds to the British feel. The band also put in a tune for the World Cup last year called 'Mr Capello', a catchy melodic pop tune with a memorable video (using a Fabio Capello lookalike, filmed in Leeds).



Back to tonight and the debut album 'Can't Shake The Moves'. An album full of beauties. Singer Chris Charlton's vocals have become a staple part of Wakey's musical heritage (Pylon, Keith Burton). Every band member look to be having fun; Tim Bradley on the drums is on a witty streak and bassist Matthew Parkes goes along for the ride. They all make this playing music lark look like a piece of piss.

The band's sound draws influences from Sebadoh, Chisel and Guided By Voices, whilst having that distinctly West Yorkshire feel to it. New single 'Honeymoon?' Is a great track with a cracking vocal melodic, very catchy indeed. They all are. Very, very catchy. And very funny on stage. Swirly guitar riffs, strong clear vocals and complicated drum beats and bass rhythms. My standout tracks are 'Echo Of The Stones' and 'One Giant Step', but they were hard to choose. Hopefully they'll return to their hometown soon…

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.