There’s no other place where you’ll sweat vigorously, see dozens of people jumping up and down into each other, hear brash, slamming music, and feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins than at a punk rock concert. And if you’re into positive social commentary and personal politics then Protagonist might just be the band for you.

They’ve been around six years, and while they’ve made a few personnel changes throughout the years, they’re quite possibly on the track to fame and fortune. Four out of five of the members attend FAU full-time while maintaining other jobs elsewhere. They’re a new generation of punk music with a few guys who love what they do and want to send a message to the world.

I was fortunate to meet with their lead singer, Peter Marullo who said, “I just want to better the world and help people better themselves” wherever they can. Marullo is a Film and Video major in the Communications department. His brother John Marullo, who is also in the band, plays guitar and sings backup vocals. They recorded in New Jersey and ended up signing with Blackout! records in January of 2003. Peter and John are from Philadelphia, and Peter says it’s his favorite place to play. He said, “I just feel at home there, plus we have a big fan base there.”

Since they’ve been in Boca, before releasing their album, they have played at Pompano Indoor Skate Park, a local high school Battle of the Bands, and the DIY tour in 2001 and 2002. They’re going to tour the country this year from May to December.

Protagonist has a message, and if you’re into punk rock, you’ll definitely enjoy it. So, if you’re going to rock out to punk bands this summer, look forward to seeing Protagonist live because they put on an awesome show.

Protagonist are:

Peter Marullo, VocalsJohn Marullo, Guitar/VocalsBrian Forst, GuitarSeth Funk, BassJohn Westgay, Drums

Available on the Internet: www.protagonistonline.comwww.blackoutrecords.comwww.myspace.com/Protagonist

Contact: [email protected]