Protex

Protex captures the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the late 70s Belfast punk scene, trading the bleakness of the Troubles for sugar-coated melodies and breakneck tempos. Their sound is defined by a relentless forward motion, where distorted guitars provide a gritty shell for choruses that stick to your ribs like classic 60s bubblegum. It is music that feels perpetually nineteen years old, vibrating with the nervous excitement of a first date and the raw power of a garage rehearsal.

What sets them apart is their refusal to choose between aggression and accessibility. While their peers in the London scene were leaning into nihilism, Protex embraced the 'power' in power pop, utilizing tight vocal harmonies and jangly, overdriven riffs to create something that feels both dangerous and inviting. The production is often thin and punchy, emphasizing the snap of the snare and the frantic strumming of the rhythm guitar, creating a caffeinated listening experience.

Start with 'Don't Ring Me Up' to hear the band at their most essential. It is a masterclass in the three-minute pop-punk single, featuring a hook that refuses to leave your head and an ending that arrives just as you're ready to start the whole thing over again. It is the perfect entry point into a discography that celebrates the simple, loud joy of being young and loud.