Protopunk is a genre characterized by its raw, high-energy sound, often marked by driving rhythms, distorted guitars, and rebellious, attitude-laden vocals. Emerging in the mid-1960s and flourishing throughout the 1970s, protopunk drew from garage rock, psychedelia, and glam rock, with artists pushing the boundaries of conventional rock music. This genre's cultural significance lies in its DIY ethos and anti-establishment sentiment, reflecting the social unrest and countercultural movements of the time. Protopunk's influence can be seen in the development of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk, as it paved the way for more experimental and avant-garde sounds. Notable for its blend of snarling attitude and melodic sensibility, protopunk set itself apart from its garage rock and psychedelia roots, instead embracing a more aggressive, in-your-face aesthetic that would come to define the punk movement.

Black Mamba

Alice Cooper

Single - Released April 23, 2025