Spring Break
The Protomen revive Mega Man mythos
Dave Goncalves
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Those growing up around the Super Nintendo era are sure to tell you they have spent many hours smashing away at buttons to send digitized heroes into the jaws of what seemed like imminent death. These heroes included Mario, Link and even Earthworm Jim. Of course we can't forget the famous blue bomber, Mega Man. The Blue Bomber has inspired many over the years and has developed a cult following. Even animated shorts, toys and bands have spawned from the Mega Man mythos. One such band is The Protomen, a band that molds the Mega Man mythos into an epic narrative compounded with their heavy rock style.
When playing live, the band plays their album through in its proper order and gives the audience a Rock Opera. "Hope Rides Alone," the opening track to their self-titled album, shoots off with a gentle tune underneath the narration of the chaotic events that lead to the post-apocalyptic setting of The Protomen's story. The song quickly falls into a heavier style, making the switch from acoustic guitar to distorted electric guitars and drums with distorted vocals. From there, the style develops more heavily into hard rock but stands out on its own.
Their Tennessee hard rock style has become harder to find and brings a fresh breath to the musical community. However, the most unique feature is definitely that they tell a story through their music. They adapted this tale of epic proportions in their own personal storytelling style. Using all the band members and a couple of others, the band turns a live show into a musical for a rock audience. Everyone is dressed in costume and acts out scenes of battle and dialogue as part of each piece on the set list.
Unfortunately, their catalog of songs is limited and though epic, seems a little short by the time the CD or a live show comes to an end. The Protomen's live performances, however, still have an encore regardless of their set limitations. Usually they'll throw in a cover song. For example, during the show at The Knitting Factory in New York City on Monday, April 9, they did a great cover of "Trooper" by Iron Maiden. Whether you are a rock fan or a Mega Man fan, this band will appeal to you.
When playing live, the band plays their album through in its proper order and gives the audience a Rock Opera. "Hope Rides Alone," the opening track to their self-titled album, shoots off with a gentle tune underneath the narration of the chaotic events that lead to the post-apocalyptic setting of The Protomen's story. The song quickly falls into a heavier style, making the switch from acoustic guitar to distorted electric guitars and drums with distorted vocals. From there, the style develops more heavily into hard rock but stands out on its own.
Their Tennessee hard rock style has become harder to find and brings a fresh breath to the musical community. However, the most unique feature is definitely that they tell a story through their music. They adapted this tale of epic proportions in their own personal storytelling style. Using all the band members and a couple of others, the band turns a live show into a musical for a rock audience. Everyone is dressed in costume and acts out scenes of battle and dialogue as part of each piece on the set list.
Unfortunately, their catalog of songs is limited and though epic, seems a little short by the time the CD or a live show comes to an end. The Protomen's live performances, however, still have an encore regardless of their set limitations. Usually they'll throw in a cover song. For example, during the show at The Knitting Factory in New York City on Monday, April 9, they did a great cover of "Trooper" by Iron Maiden. Whether you are a rock fan or a Mega Man fan, this band will appeal to you.
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