No Guidnce’s Confessions of a Loverboy EP reminds us of what’s been missing in the West: great boy bands.
This two-year-old British group continues to showcase stellar harmonies in their latest EP. They are noticeably influenced by ‘90s groups Jodeci, 112, and K-Ci & Jojo.
Confessions of a Loverboy is the band’s third EP and first since becoming independent artists.
The album opens with the EP’s lead single, “Around Me.” The lyrics speak to the loneliness of watching others fall in love while not experiencing it firsthand. It’s paired with a mid-tempo breakbeat produced by Kansas City, Kan. native HARV (producer of “Peaches” by Justin Bieber) that makes it easy to dance through the thoughts of loneliness. Closing with a cappella harmonies, this song is a great introduction to the EP and the group for new listeners.
Track two, “Nostalgic,” has a classic R&B feel about a sentimental sort of love often shown in movies in the ’90s and ‘80s. “Nostalgic” lives up to its namesake with lyrical references including the band New Edition, The Fresh Prince, and the movie Say Anything. It is a fun song with a timeless sound about timeless love.
The final single from the project, “Lovers to Enemies,” is a clear fan favorite.
It ventures into the darker parts of love, exploring thoughts of jealousy, suspicion and paranoia. This track features dynamic violin, harmonies reminiscent of Boyz II Men, and a Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” sample.
If “Lovers to Enemies” is the energy peak, then “Different Ways” is the slow-down that follows. Track four is a beautifully written slow-tempo song about the disproportionate distribution of pain and sorrow after a breakup. This track is honest and relatable in the way it expresses one of the most difficult stages of ending a relationship.
The EP ends on a lighter note with “Break the Pattern,” a song about infatuation at first sight. It considers the outcome of taking a chance with the person that caught your eye across the room. The reverb and ad-libs used in the production creates a dreamy feel that enhances the seductive tone of the song.
In full, Confessions of a Loverboy is a solid work. As a newly independent group with a recent lineup change, it is clear No Guidnce has not lost their vision. They breathe life into the music scene with true talent and a sound that is both classic and new.
