Yes, that's a keytar. And, YES, Panther often dons his helmet for live shows!!Enter an Orwellian dystopia. No one knew how the world had decayed to such ruin; they just knew no one would oppose the robots. Dr. Wily's power was absolute, unchallenged -- or so he thought. A worker in Wily's society by day, Dr. Light toiled by night in his apartment 20 stories high. Light's ideas were revolutionary, dangerous in the society in which he lived. So he worked under the cover of darkness, when the watchful robots wouldn't detect his plans. Light worked tirelessly, alone, to create a machine that would stand up, challenge the establishment, and deliver humanity's salvation. Twelve years he worked, and on a cold night in 200X, Protoman was born. He was built for one purpose and one purpose only: to destroy Wily's evil army of robots. "Ready, willing, prepared to fight!"

This is the beginning of Mega Man's story, as told by The Protomen. The original game's story was fairly shallow, so the band took quite a few liberties in their retelling. The end result is an epic rock opera. The paraphrased narrative above is just half of the first track, "Hope Rides Alone," off their self-titled debut album. The song begins with light static and a single, foreboding acoustic guitar. Lead singer, "Panther" (yes, all band members have code names) begins calmly telling the narrative. Following several guitar, drum, and synth strikes, the song picks up. Panther's words crescendo into exclamations accompanied by a heavy synth backdrop. He yells, "Attack!" and the whole band comes crashing in.

"Is this the best you've got?
Is this your strongest machine?
Now with one powershot,
You'll see what vengeance means."

The album contains a mixture of styles and genres, utilizing low-fi drums, brass instruments, western-themed guitars, and 8-bit-inspired keyboard riffs that harking back the days of wired controllers and blowing on cartridges. The album is an assemblage of musical peaks and valleys; songs like "Funeral For A Son" are purely instrumental, depicting the mood of a particular scene. Most songs are upbeat and narrative driven, with vocals accompanied by distorted guitar, 8-bit inspired electronica, and simple, yet effective, drum beats.

Despite all-out jams like "The Will Of One" and "Vengeance," The Protomen album is very much an opera. Everything, from the compelling narrative scenes to the instrumental sequences, represents actual happenings within the story. There are choral chants and backing vocals, somber monologues, and heated arguments between characters -- the latter done particularly well by electronically distorting Panther's voice.

Panther sans helmet. He's still pretty stylish.The Protomen released their sophomore album, Act II: The Father of Death, in September of last year. The album is longer and larger in scope. It's more poppy at times but also much more grandiose. Act II serves as a prequel, telling the story of Light and Riley's initial conflict, Light's ostracization from the city, Riley's rise to power, and the first attempt at resistance. After the somber opening track, "Intermission," the album starts with a double serving of bluesy, western-styled tracks. Light and Wily argue passionately in "The Good Doctor." Instead of using electronic distortion, Panther differentiates between characters by lowering his register to a deep, Johnny Cash-styled level when portraying Light. Amy "The Gambler" Smith adds a little femininity to the mix as the voice of Light's lover, Emily, in "Father Of Death." After the first three tracks, things pick up quite a bit with "The Hounds" -- a lively, big band and swing-styled romp. Songs around the middle of the album are much more operatic in style and slower in pace. The scenes are so well crafted. It's easy to get lost in the sounds and the narrative. Listening creates the feeling of being at the theatre, witnessing the tale being performed on stage. "How The World Fell Under Darkness" masterfully illustrates Light's exile and the city's gradual submission to the machines.

"Don't turn your back on the city!"

After "Darkness," the record grabs an energy power-up and comes roaring back with "Breaking Out." The song introduces a new character, Joe -- a young man who, appalled by the city-wide apathy, decides to aid Light in bringing down Riley. Panther's vocals in "Keep Quiet" soar to their greatest height on the album. Accompanied with 80s-styled synths and Phil Collins drum rolls, the song stands as one of the premiere tracks on the record. The second-to-last track, "The Fall," can be adequately described in one word: epic. "Here Comes The Arm" brings the album to a close on a melancholic, yet hopeful note.

Both albums contain several tracks that fair very well on their own, but both albums shine brightest when played from beginning to end. Even if you don't dig the story, the Protomen's musicianship alone should satisfy most. But if you ask me, get a few friends together, slip in the album, pass around the liner notes and listen carefully to the narrative. Firing up your Nintendo wouldn't hurt either. Seriously, go out on a limb, really listen actively to both albums (especially The Father Of Death), and read the liner notes, which help fill in the gaps between the lyrical narratives. If you do this, the Protomen will engage you on both a musical and emotional level. Yes, the story is that compelling. So rally your friends, maybe even a couple of NES controllers, turn up the volume, and enjoy one of the greatest hidden gems nerds have bestowed upon music!

The Protomen - "Hope Rides Alone"

This is the opening track to the first album. It sets the stage and features Protoman's first fight. The acoustic guitar played during the beginning is a particularly nice touch. If the opening narration doesn't get your blood running, you may need to check your pulse.

The Protomen - "The Will Of One"

This one's an all out jam. The intermingling of the lead guitar and 8-bit keyboard offers plenty of bite, not to mention nostalgia. Following Panther's mid-track wail, the guitar solo delivers the album's hard rock apex. The closing blast beats, coupled with the crowd chants, maintain the song's high energy level and make for a seamless lead-in to "Vengeance." 

The Protomen - "Vengeance"

"Vengeance" is definitely the catchiest track of the first album. The quick punk beat and screeching chorus vocals give the song a razor-sharp edge that's sustained throughout the track.

The Protomen - "The Hounds"

The snare-driven swing beat, the horns, and Panther's spirited vocals make "Hounds" a ton of fun. "What was her name?" "Doesn't matter. Now listen." Quite poppy. I love it!

The Protomen - "Breaking Out"

For awhile, this was my favorite track of the second album. I really like Panther's deep vocals. The first guitar riff effectively sets the mood for the rest of the song. One of my favorite moments of the album comes at 2:17, when the band halts, leaving only Panther's vocals and the piano. Joe delivers his parting line to the girl next to him and steals kiss. Classic.

The Protomen - "Keep Quiet"

This track has Kenny Loggins written all over it, especially the intro. Phil Collins-style drum rolls provide the track's aural "lows" while Panther ascends to his greatest vocal "highs" on the record. The snare roll near the end, coupled with the tom and unison strikes, helps keep the song in high-gear even as it approaches its end.

The Protomen - "The Fall"

"The Fall" is 100% pure epic. The recurring synth riff provides an anchor while the guitar shreds '80s-montage style and the drummer wails on the toms. Once the choir comes in, the song soars to its highest level.

Previous: I've Got Music In Nerdy Places #1: Hellsing

Up Next -- Cowboy Bebop -- See you later Space Cowboy!