PROTAGONIST

Protagonist, lying hidden behind the plastic aesthetic and the mass of consumers in Boca Raton, Florida, play their own brand of melodic punk anthems. Led by desperate vocals, racing guitars and an unrelenting drum assault, they stick out like a festering sore in a city known more for its riches and beaches than music. Protagonist takes punk rock and plays it at face value. For them it is an outlet to shout, sing and cry-out against everything that is wrong in the world. Before the onslaught of social networking sites that have facilitated the laziest and most undeserving bands to get a tour booked with the click of a mouse, Protagonist were jumpstarting their hometown scene with their hardworking DIY ethic. Always active, they released demos and booked and promoted their own shows at VFW halls and skateparks all over Florida. They’re steadfast attachment to the DIY ethos helped Protagonist build a fan base in Florida and abroad after beginning to actively tour in 2001. All this work would not go unnoticed. Legendary New York Hardcore label Blackout! Records (H20, Kill Your Idols, Sheer Terror) took notice and released the band’s first full-length record entitled “Hope and Rage” in 2003. Well received by critics, the band toured relentlessly on the album garnering more attention than ever. Protagonists next step would be to write, record and release their next effort the “Reasoning with Time” EP. The short 5 song record (featuring 3 originals and two covers) is over before you know it, but not before showcasing their growth both musically and lyrically. In 2008 they kept the nonstop touring assault in full-effect, even venturing as far as Japan to showcase their melodic hardcore punk to an extremely receptive Asian audience. Recently, Protagonist finished their highly anticipated second full-length. Titled, “The Chronicle” they recorded the album in their hometown before sending it to Jamie Woolford (The Stereo, Punchline, The AKA’s) to mix it at Room Sound. Upon hearing the record Vinnie decided in a heartbeat that he wanted to put it out on Paper + Plastick. A spring 2009 release date has been set and a four month US tour is already in the works for this hardworking group of punks, so expect them to pass through your town shortly.