Protomen/Brit Brigade

If you’re old enough to have owned the original Nintendo Entertainment, chances are you’ve heard of Mega Man. That game series has been the inspiration for the Protomen as the band has weaved a two-act rock opus about a humanoid robot that saves mankind. Listen to the pulsing synth and drum machine that drive “Light Up the Night,” from Act II: The Father of Death, and you’ll think it was an 80s hit lost in time. The Protomen’s most recent work has included a pair of cover albums, of Queen hits — which are surprisingly spot on — and other rock classics, so vintage video game geeks won’t be the only ones banging their heads when this group comes to town. (DeSmit)