British R&B boyband No Guidnce shines bright with “Confessions of a Loverboy,” a soul-bearing EP that connects the dots between the golden era of late ’90s R&B and today’s remixed chart toppers. On five deeply personal tracks, Kaci, Zeekay, Josh, and Eshan explore love in all its complexities, from longing and devotion to heartbreak and healing, delivering a project as emotionally charged as it is rich.
At the center of the EP lies its focus track, “Lovers To Enemies,” an instantly infectious but also horrifically raw tale of love lost. Touching on its late ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop/R&B influence, the track depicts a toxic relationship deteriorating as both partners vie for power over each other instead of intimacy. The seamless harmonies and silky production lift the storytelling to another level, and it may be one of No Guidnce’s more striking releases to date.
The EP opens with “Around Me,” a plaintive request for unwavering love and presence. Zeekay’s anthemic vocals on the bridge lift the track ever higher, enveloping listeners in the type of passion and vulnerability that have long been the hallmarks of those R&B standards that stand the test of time. “Nostalgic” brings a contemporary twist to the proceedings, infusing Jersey club rhythms with pop-minded melodies. It’s a welcome shift that underlines No Guidnce’s versatility, affirming their ability to serve up emotionally tinged ballads and infectious, wanna-dance grooves.
On “Different Ways,” the band pulls everything back for a piano-driven ballad that lands as feeling both personal and universal. The song’s layered harmonies and contemplative lyrics have the emotional heft and a stand out on the EP. A final track, “Break The Pattern,” provides a fresh, hopeful note concerning new beginnings. Blending funk-fueled rhythms and sleek R&B, the track has No Guidnce breaking free from old habits and allowing himself to love again. It’s a fitting final track for an EP that explores romance’s highs and lows.
Connect with No Guidnce on Instagram – @noguidnce
