Kids these days and their music…  I tell ya, there is A LOT of good stuff out there for old guys like me.  My son turned me on to Protest The Hero a couple of years ago and I’ve become quite the fan, plugging them in a Spotlight post last year (check that out HERE) and recently purchasing their latest EP Pacific Myth.   In keeping with the blog’s spirit of turning others on to new music, I wanted to highlight one of their latest tracks in the fantastic “Harbinger”- if you really dig melodic guitar oriented music but get turned off by some of the more aggressive vocals, this may be right up your alley.

Protest the Hero has exhibited a bit of growth on this song compared to their other material in a few different ways.  First an intro piano sets the tone and makes the occasional reappearance throughout, adding a different harmonic ingredient to the band’s sonics that helps offset those crunchier, in your face moments in other places.  Second, the incredible Rody Walker continues to grow as a vocalist as he does an excellent job here switching between beautiful, melodic vocal lines and the stronger, dynamic belts through the verses.  This dude can SING.  And third, a little less musical chaos on this one that allows the song to breathe a little more.  But fear not…  there is still quite a bit of energetic, tricky guitar passages to melt your face; however, that is countered with more of a straight ahead approach through the chorus and at the tail end of the song.  For me, those switches between the lighter elements and the heavier swings are what makes “Harbinger” one of this band’s more passionate and fiery cuts.

Did I say anything about the guitar work here?  Hoo boy…  as always with this band, the guitar work is all sorts of noodly goodness with plenty of twists and turns that don’t lose your attention.  While there are all sorts of heavy riffs and intricate patterns between the bass and the two guitarists that take you on an incredible journey, it’s the song’s incredibly tasty solo section that is a real grabber.  These guys (Luke Hoskin, Tim Millar) are some serious players but this is the first time I’ve really appreciated one of their solos-  just a really sweet piece with lots of stinging runs and excellent tone.  Fantastic!

So go out and download “Harbinger” and if you like, the rest of the EP is very good too.  Step out of your comfort zone and take a chance- it may take a few listens but it’s well worth it!