We are The Protons.
In the world of the surf-rock genre, The Protons have made their lasting impression with ‘The Explanatory Gap’, their self-released debut 7’’color vinyl launched in the spring of 2013. These four songs show a glimpse into the full-spectrum of creativity in combining the love of reverb, instrumental, traditional surf, spy, garage and rock.
(The Explanatory Gap) is noisy and otherworldly while adhering to the blueprint laid out by the Surfaris back when your grandparents were hip. Basically, surf music might be better here than anywhere else in the world. There's just something about songs inspired by the beach that are actually written and performed in a dark, moldy basement.” -MARK LORE (The Portland Mercury)
The Protons formed in 2011 in the depths of the Portland, Oregon music scene. Bringing together four individuals from extremely different musical backgrounds, they began immediately writing all original material and jumping into live performance. The current members are: Major Tom (Drums), Dark Matter (Guitar), Number Six (Bass) and DNA (Lead Guitar).
In July of 2012, they recorded 16 original live songs with Engineer Tim Shrout at Badlands Studios and the songs were then mixed and mastered by DNA. The first four tracks became the aforementioned ‘The Explanatory Gap’ and the remaining twelve will be released via digital download and CD at the end of 2013. Two of those songs will also be featured on a compilation of local Portland bands in the Spring of 2014. While still unsigned, The Protons will continue to record and release records on their own.
They have performed live to great acclaim all around the Portland area as well as a live performance on KBOO 90.7FM. Their music and interviews have been played on local radio and online stations and will begin playing on stations in California and Amsterdam in the Fall of 2013.
The Protons are one of the most diverse bands in the surf/rock genre to date, giving their fans an array of traditional, spy, garage and mad-science rock that no one can deny. Keep posted at www.theprotons.com for record release and show dates!
