Protocol was formed in 2005 in the United Kingdom as a five‑piece pop‑rock group composed of John Pritchard on lead vocals, James McMaster on guitar, Steven Oates on bass, David Malik on keyboards and synthesizers, and Dominic Joseph on drums. The band had been rehearsing together for four years before establishing their own club night, Vanity, in London, where they honed their live performance skills. Their first single, "She Waits for Me", was released in 2005 and entered the UK Singles Chart at number 65, followed by "Where's the Pleasure?" in 2006, which peaked at number 27. Protocol signed with Polydor Records, but the label dropped them in April 2006; the group continued touring, supporting acts such as New Order, Fisherspooner, The Bravery, and Hard‑Fi, and performed at the Wireless and Wireless Festival. The band released their debut album Rules of Engagement in 2006. After the label’s withdrawal, Protocol disbanded later in 2006. Post‑breakup, Dominic Joseph pursued a career as a DJ and co‑producer in the electro duo Leatherhead.
