Protokoll - DNR

Protokoll are already making waves in the British music press with impressive backing from Steve Lamacq and the indie seal of approval which is 'NME'. On learning those facts and on hearing the songs on offer by Protokoll, part of me wanted to hear more and part of me wanted to say "Fine, they can like them. They don’t need me as a fan." While there is nothing at all wrong with ‘DNR’, and I would even go as far as saying that it fairly good, beyond thinking that it sounded a little like Joy Division. it didn't leave me with any spark in any way. With its simplistic and consistent beat and bass line coupled with emotive lyrics and vocal styling, it is clear to see where Protokoll take their influences from. It is as good a place as any really. They just don’t seem to be anything new, or which stand out from a lot of bands that are on offer at present. It only seems to stick in your mind until you hear something else, even if that something is the 'A-Team' theme tune. The point is that it just isn’t that memorable. The first of the two B sides, ‘Sunken’, sounds pretty much the same and some would have trouble distinguishing the two. ‘In the Fall’, the second B side, however is a far more promising glimpse into what the hype is all about. It is a much more lively, much less, up beat and fast, but feels like it should be more definitive of the direction in which the band should be going. 'DNA'is by no means bad. It is just far too similar to so many other things around to really make you sit up and take notice.