British R&B group No Guidnce triumphantly return with their latest EP, Confessions of a Lover Boy - a smooth, 90s-inspired collection that cements their place as rising stars in the UK scene.
Across five tracks, the London-based quartet delivers a masterclass in harmonies, heartfelt lyricism, and effortless vocal runs. With industry legends like Boyz II Men and Timbaland backing their talent, No Guidnce continues to breathe new life into R&B, blending nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary edge.
If I asked you to name three boy bands making waves right now, could you? For the past decade, the boyband era has felt like a fading echo One Direction disbanded, the Backstreet Boys are legacy acts, and the 90s reign of Boyz II Men and Jodeci feels like a distant memory. No Guidnce, on the contrary, are here to change that, stepping in to fill the void with raw talent, nostalgia, and effortless harmonies.
The quartet Kaci, Zeekay, Josh, and Eshan prove that a true R&B group thrives on vocal excellence. With each member bringing standout talent, No Guidnce showcases the power of a group where every voice is equally strong, reminding us why harmonies and vocal skills still matter.
On their new EP, Confessions of a Lover Boy, No Guidnce delivers a nostalgic blast from the past, blending deep '90s-inspired beats reminiscent of Timbaland and Brandy. With heavy 808s, crisp open hi-hats, and stylized angelic harmonies, the project strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary sounds. They come out swinging with the lead single, ‘Around Me’ an infectious, uptempo contemporary R&B track that embodies the essence of 'Alt-Rhythm' R&B. Zeekay’s angelic runs elevate the bridge, adding a layer of soul that makes the song unforgettable you can’t help but whine your waist.
With 2.7 million TikTok followers and a knack for going viral, No Guidnce has mastered the art of capturing nostalgia while keeping things fresh. But the true gem of their latest album, the track that feels like a time capsule from the golden age of boybands, is ‘Lover to Enemies’. Dripping in 2000s R&B-pop influences, the song boasts an infectious bassline and a melody that could have easily landed on an NSYNC album. But beneath the glossy production lies something darker. As the group explains, “[The song] tells the story of a relationship turning sour as the partners use toxic methods to compete for each other’s attention.” The push and pull of infatuation turns into a game of control, making every lyric hit harder. No Guidnce embraces the track as a defining moment in their comeback, declaring, “It feels like a real boyband anthem and is the focus single of our comeback EP!” And with its mix of nostalgia, drama, and undeniable catchiness, it’s hard to argue with that.
Nostalgic is an ironic title for a track that feels anything but stuck in the past. Blending Jersey club energy with pop-infused old-school R&B, the song pulses with a fresh yet familiar groove. The influence of the Aaliyah and Timbaland era is undeniable, woven into its dynamic production and rhythmic bounce. What sets this group apart is their ability to revive the lost art of the classic R&B-pop boyband while making it their own. Much like how FLO channels Destiny’s Child, No Guidnce taps into nostalgia without simply replicating the past reimagining it in a way that feels fresh and uniquely theirs.
Since their debut in March 2023, No Guidnce has caught the attention of industry giants like Stormzy and Timbaland, as well as R&B icons Babyface and Boyz II Men—a testament to their ability to channel the golden era of R&B while keeping it fresh. Their track ‘Different Way’ embodies the Boyz II Men style of ballad perfectly a heartfelt ballad that pulls at the heartstrings and is, without a doubt, one for the girls. With lyrics like “I keep searching for why? You don’t feel how I feel,” the song captures the raw emotion of unreciprocated love, wrapped in silky harmonies and nostalgic yet modern production.
No Guidnce closes out the EP with ‘Break the Pattern’ a slow-burning, late-night R&B track that oozes sensuality and self-reflection. Dripping in The Weeknd’s signature moody atmosphere, this is the kind of song that makes you stare at the ceiling, questioning all your life choices (preferably with some dim lighting and a glass of something strong). In a twist of irony, the boys actually provide some guidance here realizing they’re stuck in a cycle of toxic love and finally deciding to level up. Less “toxic situationship”, more “let’s make this official”. With sultry vocals and a beat smoother than your ex’s apologies, this track wraps up the EP on a high note—both literally and emotionally.
Overall, Confessions of a Lover Boy marks a strong comeback for No Guidnce, showcasing just how much they've grown since their debut EP, Is It a Crime? where they collaborated with heavyweights like Victoria Monét and JR Rotem. This time around, it’s clear the pros pushed them to refine their sound, resulting in a cohesive, polished body of work. If this EP is anything to go by, No Guidnce isn’t just filling the boyband gap, they're kicking the door down.
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