Category: Review

Blackedout EP

Blackedout EP

I first came across the mysterious Blackedout when late one night, I found myself in the tinychat internet concert venue SPF420. After “sticking around” (or keeping my internet browser open / headphones on) for a couple of the other acts, the host announced Blackedout would be performing next. A quick switch of the webcam to wherever he was performing from, which for the most part, was in complete darkness and he was set to begin.

Almost immediately I was completely enthralled with the sounds I was hearing. As I’ve said before and through a lot of the music I share, I’m a huge fan of late night/R&B type sexy grooves and spacey sounds and beats. After the performance, I was excited to delve into some more tunes and was even more thrilled when I came across this brand new EP just released on April 30th.

This is a solid example of the sounds I love (think kind of the same vein as Supreme Cuts, The-Drum, Holy Other, etc). This is pure sex. Really nice sounding pianos, synths, drums, water sounds, [probably] some found sound samples in there, and nice use of Rihanna vocals and vox from the song  ”Baby I’m For Real” (which was either taken from Michael McDonald or The Originals).

My only real complaint (if you can even call it that) is the brevity of the EP, spanning only about 15 minutes total. Anyway, hop on down below, turn the lights off, and hit play.

BONUS: for some non-EP tracks (that are just as chillin’) head on over to Blackedout’s soundcloud.

Incoming search terms:

  • Asap chilling with rihanna
  • blackedout michael mcdonald

bFunk’s End of the Year Roundup [2012]

It seems as the years go on, more critics are becoming increasingly cynical about the classic “year-end” lists everyone tends to put out.

Top 10 free non-commerical Soundcloud only releases of 2012, Top 25 rap mixtapes not including Rick Ross or Gucci Mane, Top 5 non-Dubstep EDM DJ albums released from April 17th to October 27th, The 3 most influential Eastern European female pop singers…blah blah blah. There are a lot of complaints. Ex: “They are all the same”, blah blah, whatever Thom York/Radiohead put out, some new indie band with only one release out that hasn’t even gone on tour yet, Grimes, the new Kendrick Lamar album, Animal Collective, The XX, Some weird rapper, …Well fuck, I actually like these lists a lot. I enjoy looking back and reviewing the year, seeing what new songs, artists, and albums I spent most my time listening to and discovering. At the same time I can see what other people spent their time listening to and I can find great new tunes as well.

With that little rant behind me. I give thee…my 2012 list of favorite songs, EPs, albums, mixtapes, and overall new music related…things. This is basically a collection of the music that shaped my year. I’ll try and keep it somewhat concise and organized in some sort of manner but we’ll see how that goes.

Albums/Mixtapes/EPs Continue reading →

Incoming search terms:

  • protocol of purity ring
  • USHERING AND PROTOCL
  • supreme cuts trouble ep depositfiles
  • supreme cuts & haleek maul chrome lips rapidshare
  • purity rings and protocol behind them
  • earl sweatshirt cartoon
  • music like crystal castles artists like xxyyxx
  • long live asap screensavers
  • grimes oblivion
  • golf Wang wallpaper galaxy

A Smile, For You

Chaz Van Queen is an indie rapper and singer from New York by way of Baltimore.We here at What’s Protocol? have been fans of Chaz Van Queen for quite some time now. We’ve even had various opportunities to work with him as well as watch him work.

Since we’ve been following him, there have been various teases of the release of his second full length album, A :) 4 U, but the date always seemed to get pushed back due to various complications. Chaz has finally cleared all of the hurdles and managed to release the album for the public, and we must thank God/Supreme Being/Random Chance for that.

I had heard about half of the tracks on the album previously so I was aware that he was sitting on a handful of extremely solid singles, but upon listening to the album in its entirety it is apparent that it is much more than a collection of singles. Chaz has managed to hone his voice and create a signature sound that, to me, is reminiscent of the feel good hip hop of the early to mid-90s. A perfect example of the 90′s feel is his track “Summer Girlfriends” which I previously described as perfect for a backyard bbq.

Chaz’ talents are not confined to simply rapping, either. On the back to back tracks “Bring Your Smile” and “Think Twice” he shows of his skills as a singer. I’ve loved “Bring Your Smile” since I first heard it last summer and I was immediately wowed today upon my first listening of “Think Twice.”

Despite the rapping and singing, the most impressive thing about this album may be that Chaz produced, composed, and arranged it all. He truly shows off his chops as a musician/producer on each track.

Overall this album can be taken as announcement of Chaz’ musical genius. It could be said that he is showing off here were it not for the fact that we benefit so much by him sharing his talents. This album was definitely worth the wait and I am glad he took his time with it. You can stream/download the album below. Enjoy!

BONUS:

Chaz also just got some press from Prefix Mag as he was featured on a track by Toothpaste. Listen to the track below and checkout the full Prefix Mag writeup.

For more info about Chaz Van Queen,  please visit his website

Governors Ball Recap

As usual I’m late with my recap BUT I still wanted to put up the little photo documentation I have of my Governor’s Ball experience from a few weeks ago as well as at least a mention of some of my favorite acts of the weekend.

Continue reading →

Incoming search terms:

  • xxyyxx wallpaper
  • governors ball protocol
  • governors ball recap

Venue Spotlight: PhilaMOCA

In this economy, you never know what’s going to spring up next door, especially in the music scene.

Not too long ago, the owner opened up the doors to the old mausoleum that Mad Decent used to throw their block parties next to as a showroom for the local community in hopes to “bring new and interesting art and performance to Philadelphia.” Not having a chance to check out some of the periodic shows they have already hosted in the space, I finally experienced PhilaMOCA for myself this past Sunday when I went to the Conversations With Enemies / Former Belle / Mitten / Allison Weiss show. What a mouthful.

Anyways, if I knew this was the sort of place you could backpack-it then I probably wouldn’t have gone broke at The Institute down the street (so..heads up you know). PhilaMOCA was just what I expected; a high ceiling gallery space with some interesting architecture. The crowd was all-ages, which I’m sure all of the shows are but it wasn’t terrible. I’d say if you’re nit-picky definitely work your way into the crowd where you’re in a good sonic location. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself next to the left monitors wondering why the levels sound so off.

All around good show and great energy. I’d recommend going to a show with a solid line-up, this isn’t your normal venue where set-times are strictly enforced. In other words, your show may end after midnight. As I check their calendar out, you guys should take a listen to some of what I got to hear over the weekend.

To See About A Girl - Former Belle

Similar Sense – Mitten

Fingers Crossed – Allison Weiss

Right-click and enjoy.

The Mountain Man Known as William Gruff

We should expect that a Mountain man has very simple album art

In 2007, a band by the name of Mountain Man was playing the Philly and Jersey circuit quite regularly. They entered the Emergenza Battle of the Bands and did quite well. They were dubbed the best band in Philadelphia and performed at Webster Hall in NYC where they took 7th place on the entire East coast in the competition.

After that they made some trips to Nashville where they played music but then they sort of disappeared. All of the members were still involved in music, but separately on their own. Alan has been performing with the Tongue Sculptors, Vince has been playing with Johnny Showcase and the Bailey Hounds, Charlie had gone to grad school, and Matt was touring the country and performing in musicals.

To me, it seemed that these talented individuals had split amicably but would no longer be making music together. That was a bit disappointing as I had enjoyed following them in their early days and really dug their sound. I thought they had real potential to break through as they are all very talented musicians and actually studied their craft intensively.

Luckily as it turns out, it was not the end of the road for Mountain Man. Now, Mountain Man goes by his proper name, William Gruff, and “he” has just released his debut album. The production quality on it is amazing, the songs range from folk-rock, old school rock and roll, maybe a little blues, a jazzy showtune (I think Matt’s tours in musicals may have had an influence), bluegrass, and a song that was styled in tribute to Tom Waits. As of right now the guys are running a “pay what you wish” promotion via Bandcamp.

I encourage you to support them so they can continue to make nice things for us to enjoy. Stream/buy the album below.

Those Devils Don’t Scare Me

The Bailey Hounds released their debut album yesterday on Devil’s Night and the Satanic theme is recurring throughout the album.

The album takes on a dark tone, which is to be expected. I wouldn’t describe it as a sinister tone, just dark and cold with a wintry feel.

In my mind I can fast forward to the end of November when the sun is disappearing at 4 PM and we are all bundling up in sweaters to stay warm; this music fits perfectly with those images. If you own a cabin in the mountains, this album should be on your winter playlist.

Continue reading →

Incoming search terms:

  • snowy roads
  • snowy road
  • country cabins inside
  • hunting cabin
  • images farm roads

Music Submission Time.

Whew, lately it seems the frequency in music submissions has gone way up. Although I can never guarantee anyone coverage on the blog, I do really enjoy the influx of emails going on in my inbox. Anyways, I thought I’d feature some of the music that’s stood out as of late and perhaps turn your ears onto something lovely.

Meet The Ugly Club, who on further inspection I’ve declared aren’t actually so ugly at all but I guess that’s not the point now is it? These gentlemen produce a classic indie-rock sound with flashes of pop and psychedelia. It’s a pretty fantastic thing to listen to with just enough lo-fi to refresh your ears (and you know how much I love lo-fi anything). Thankfully they’ve released their EP, “Visions of Tall Girl” for free on their bandcamp which you can grab here. I’m thinking a slightly American-sounding Kooks at certain moments..amirite? You decide.

Parks – The Ugly Club

While you’re right-clicking and enjoying the above track you should check the video below where Music1nFocus caught some acoustic footage of the guys with the NYC skyline in the background. It’s a beautiful thing.

I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go.

CSS playing at Philadelphia's Union Transfer

Don’t think I forgot to mention on this blog how amazing CSS were last Friday (10/21). I just needed some time to formulate my words on the entire evening.

Now, I never had the chance to eat at the Spaghetti Warehouse (I heard their meatballs were huge though) but recently the R5 boys put the nail in that coffin and turned it into an old-timey bar/music venue called Union Transfer. It’s taken me awhile to get down there but I was thoroughly impressed. These guys are true music lovers and the layout of the entire building is incredible, they knew exactly what they wanted. I mean it’s obvious, right down to the toilet paper roll placement because I pay attention to these things (it’s on the inside door, convenient!!). Continue reading →

Incoming search terms:

  • css all dressed up
  • CSS live at union transfer

Meet: Johnny Showcase

Funky

I’m doing an album review. I don’t score albums from 1-10, 1-5, or even give two thumbs up. I rate everything on a binary scale. That’s not the norm for music websites. Johnny Showcase isn’t the norm for a musician. So I guess this is all appropriate.

Now, Johnny Showcase not being normal is a good thing. A very good thing. I was alerted about this artist/cabaret show a month or so by a friend and I got to perusing the website. Johnny runs a live cabaret show with original songs, dancers, skits, magicians, and a drag queen named Martha Graham Cracker. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Well Mr. Showcase just came out with a new album that is up on iTunes, with the physical release coming in October. I’ve listened through the album a few times now and I enjoy it. Thus, it receives the coveted “1″ rating on the binary scale I mentioned earlier.

The album is filled with funk, some dancier tunes, some ballads, and lots of clever and witty lyrics. While I am writing this “Push That Rock” is playing in the background and I am loving the live horns. The overall sound reminds me of something that would have happened in the 70s. It’s not hard to picture Johnny doing his thing as the musical guest during one of the early seasons of Saturday Night Live, performing his songs as well as holding his own in some sketches. Actually, that’s not a bad premise for a music video. Make it happen, Johnny.

So until the physical release happens, which Johnny guarantees will be oh so physical, you can purchase and enjoy the album digitally here. Oh and before I forget, I got permission to share one track with you for free. I’ve decided to go with Sensual Pts. 1 & 2 – Johnny Showcase because the premise and lyrics make me laugh. Set to a track that sounds similar to Sexual Healing, Johnny lets a female know that they have to be sensual, but not sexual, because he is married. Listen to it, then go buy the album. Also, see the live show. It’s pure art.

Incoming search terms:

  • johnny showcase and the lefty lucy cabaret
  • johnny showcase and the lefty lucy cabaret review