Album Review: Protect The Target - '10 EP

Hailing from a small town in Suffolk, Protect The Target have been entertaining people with their pop-infused rock since early 2009. Having played with bands such as Deaf Havana and Tell It To The Marines, these lads are certainly building up a bit of a reputation for themselves. The follow up to their debut EP, this three-track record is a more mature, non-stop barrage of catchy (albeit generic) pop-punk that All Time Low would be proud to have written.

'There For Me' kicks off the EP with plenty of catchy hooks and and lyrics you can sing your heart out to. It may not be the slickest production ever, but the lo-fi qualities of this record create a charm that bands such as You Me At Six have long since lost. The vocals are crisp and edgy with plenty of enthusiasm, and despite the clichéd gang vocals, this track is a pretty good example of how pop-punk should sound.

The next offering sees the Protect The Target boys go a little more mature with 'Closer'. Confident vocals and a very memorable chorus compliment the soaring guitars. The change in pace doesn't stop the ferocity of this track, but instead leads up to a superb ending. In contrast, final song 'Eyes' is not so upbeat, but that doesn't make it any less catchy. With a slight indie-rock feel to it, this track is just as radio-friendly as the others, featuring some more ambient guitar riffs and more passionate vocals. Not my favourite track on the EP, but still, not bad at all.

With their generic lyrics and typical poppy guitars, Protect The Target are not about to reinvent pop-punk. But that doesn't matter, because this young band are great at what they do. They have an energy and enthusiasm which you don't often see, and a real passion for performing. If they keep this up, their debut full-length will be one to look out for.

4/5

''10' EP by Protect The Target is available now on Bandcamp as a free download.

Protect The Target on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

Blaise Ruston