Are you following Protokoll?

• 5th May 2006

Four nerdy looking chaps from Boston, Massachusetts, who've emerged as one of the buzz acts from the recent SxSW festival is Texas, and at the very least Lamacq's top pick for 2006.

The accolades are not unjust: Protokoll are a joyous mix of 1980s British
indie, whilst also drawing much from the New York post-punk and no-wave scene of the same decade.

But they aren't just 'pop music-making machines' they assure us; more 'punk musicians making pop music with machines'. There's a difference you know. The result is a raw, urgent sound reminiscent of Bauhaus and The Sound, but with a razor-edged heaviness giving it a truly modern feel. Combining luxurious synth-pop melodies with shoegazer inspired guitar swells, they back the whole sound up with a juggernaut rhythm section.

The band hit the UK with their first 7″ single 'Moving Forward' on indie
imprint Illicit Recordings. It's a typical statement of the band's
ambition. Where as others would settle for the first 3 minutes of 100mph
delirium where Thin Lizzy dual guitars meet The Chameleons UK, Protokoll take the song off on some blissed-out break down, before taking off for another run.

Having played extensively around the US with the likes of Annie and
Wolfmother, they'll be visiting in May for a full UK tour. Dates below.

May 11th Lincoln, University
May 12th Liverpool, Barfly
May 14th Peterborough, Met Lounge
May 15th Manchester Roadhouse
May 16th York, Certificate
May 17th Brighton, Freebutt
May 18th Southampton, Joiners
May 19th Barfly, London
May 21st Glasgow, King Tuts
May 22nd Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire
May 23rd Leeds, Joseph¹s Well
May 24th Exeter, The Cavern
May 25th Bristol, Louisiana
May 26th London, Club NME @ Koko