Protocol - Where's The Pleasure? Single Review

Protocol
"Where's The Pleasure?"
Polydor
23/01/06
Single Review

London-based quintet Protocol formed in 2003, bonding over their mutual love of pop music from the likes of Madonna, David Bowie, and Roxy Music. They've had high profile support slots – toward the end of 2005 they joined The Bravery on their UK tour – and are now releasing the second single from their as-yet-unreleased album "The Rules Of Engagement".

From the moment it begins, "Where's The Pleasure?" sounds like Blondie's "Atomic" (no surprise that the band are also huge fans of Debbie Harry's group). While there are millions of songs that would be worse to imitate, this in itself is the problem – it's been done before. Not wanting to be completely dismissive – "Where's The Pleasure?" is very catchy and John Pritchard a good vocalist – but it's impossible to listen to the track without thinking that they've completely ripped off the "Heart Of Glass" band.

Alex Lai