Brooklyn-based artist Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L released a moody, contemplative, and trippy music video for his R&B single “Protocol” on the 28th of October. The music, lyrics, and visuals capture the emotional highs and lows of being drunk.
The song starts with a spacious and ambient melody that feels melancholic and zoned-out, with reverberated percussion hits that add to the sense of space, which makes the artist’s vocal performance feel all the more personal in contrast— a deliberate choice to emotionally connect with the audience, followed by drums that make you sway, a bass that resonates, and layered melodies that reverberate from far, far away: all the musical ingredients for an emotionally drunken R&B hit song.
The lyrical writing, while not clear, is clearly poetic, infusing themes of desire and self-reflection. The lyrics are explicit and daring, yet feel grounded and true to the artist. One line in particular that stood out to me is “Baby I’m high but you taking me higher.” This line perfectly encapsulates the range of emotions that the song evokes, from love and desire to the pains of addiction.
The music video for Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s Protocol takes inspiration from collage and psychedelic art styles, with cool cuts and impressive editing that maintain the visual appeal throughout the entire video. Studio shots show Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s dedication and process, and the visual effects such as the light leaks exaggerate the drunken sensation, which is absolutely brilliant decision in art direction.
Protocol has a main theme that is repeated in the chorus: “I drink too much alcohol,” and every aspect of the song, from the lyrics, music, and video focuses on it. The result is cohesive and evocative of all the accompanying emotions from each listener’s personal experiences.
So, what personal experience did Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s Protocol remind you of on the first listen?