Paradoxon

New Boston quartet Protokoll are quite possibly Massachusetts' finest export, and certainly the most exciting of late. Successfully applying their ear for a new wave melody to a much eerier post-punk background, it's a formula that has that all-important crossover appeal. However, they concede their influences remain suitably diverse; Daft Punk, Black Flag, ska and reggae…

The band emerged as one of the buzz acts from last year's SXSW festival is Texas, and the accolades are not unjust! Protokoll are a joyous mix of 1980s British indie, whilst also drawing much from the New York post-punk and no-wave scene of the same decade.
But they aren't just 'pop music-making machines' they assure us; more 'punk musicians making pop music with machines'. There's a difference you know. The result is a raw, urgent sound reminiscent of Bauhaus and The Sound, but with a razor-edged heaviness giving it a truly modern feel. Combining luxurious synth-pop melodies with shoegazer inspired guitar swells, they back the whole sound up with a juggernaut rhythm section.

The band hit the UK in May 2006 with their first 7" single 'Moving Forward' on indie imprint Illicit Recordings. It's a typical statement of the band’s ambition. Where as others would settle for the first 3 minutes of 100mph delirium where Thin Lizzy dual guitars meet The Chameleons UK, Protokoll take the song off on some blissed-out break down, before taking off for another run. This release made the band a huge number of friends receiving press accolades early on and radio support from door-opening first fan Steve Lamacq and plays from Zane Lowe and XFM.

Second UK release ‘D.N.R.’ was released in October 2006, a glorious mix of shimmering synths and that compelling yet serious disco pop sound that they do so very well. Shimmering guitars sparkle behind the deadpan vocal delivery, and a taut bass line rumbles like a subway train.

This release combines the best of the first two UK releases along with some new tracks which are sure to become fan favourites, combine this with their incendiary, fast becoming legendary, live set and these boys are definitely stars in the making.