This latest EP from Protectors features two brand new tracks and two re-mastered songs from their debut LP, Can’t Shake The Moves. The Leeds outfit have already supported The Cribs, Frankie & The Heartstrings and Los Campesinos! promoting their debut LP, and listening to The Stem & The Leaf there is no reason why they cannot help strengthen the northern indie rock cause.
The opening song ‘Overtime’ is a bouncy sing-along that sets the feel good tone of the EP, with singer Chris Charlton’s voice rising above the rolling drums and guitar. There is a warm familiarity even on the first listen of this song which is no bad thing, meaning that on the second and third listens it is hard not to tap your foot and have a little sing when the chorus kicks in.
The same can be said for ‘Honeymoon?’ which is slower and more melodic, reminiscent of some of the more recent songs by The Cribs. The jolting drums and the holding of awkward notes combined with the catchy chorus, make this the ideal song for joining the band in their love of rambling and real ale.
The third song on the EP ‘Corousel’, has more of a youthful attitude to it with more of a punk rock feel, as if an early Greenday had grown up in Headingley. ‘Woe betide’ sings Charlton.
Despite the get up and go song title, the re-mastered ‘Shake The Moves’ is a relaxed end to Protectors first release with Philophobia Music, and the lyric ‘Surely worth a listen’ just about sums up ‘The Stem & The Leaf’. The songs are well written and the melodic catchy choruses will help make the coming winter months just little bit more jolly.
6/10
By Danny Foy
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