Austin, Brandon, Edwin, Nick, and Zion, members of up-and-coming urban-pop boy-band PRETTYMUCH, release their debut EP, fittingly titled ‘PRETTYMUCH an EP.’

For those of us who thought, hoped, or lamented the fact that the boy band had faded, it hasn’t. Leave it to Simon Cowell to resurrect the boy band from the dead. His latest crop of heartthrobs is PRETTYMUCH. Zion Kuwonu, Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Austin Porter, and Nick Mara have been slowly, but surely building their career as pop’s next boy band.  What makes this particular collective interesting is how hip they are.  This boy band is in tune with the times, incorporating elements of hip-hip and urban music into their script.  Finally, a project has arrived from the band, even if it’s PRETTYMUCH an EP comprised of four songs and 13 minutes of music.

“Hello”

Writers: Andreas Schuller, Edwin Honoret, James Wong, Leroy Clampitt, Stephenie Jones & Zion Kuwonu «

Producer: Axident

“Hello” kicks off PRETTYMUCH an EP both energetically and sleekly, playing up the urban-pop sound. The opener is a great representation of what the modern boy band sounds like – clearly much different than the sound of say One Direction ala 2011.  The influence of hip-hop, with its gimmicky production and gimmicky vocals is crystal clear.

“10,000 Hours”

Writers: Sean Douglas & Talay Riley « Producer: Warren “Oak” Felder 

Speaking of great production work, “10,000 Hours” continues to features slick contemporary production. The record has its fair share of gimmickry, as well as employing the ‘bag of production tricks.’ The lead vocals on the verses are robust and smooth.  Each of the three verses incorporate ad-libs, a product of hip-hop influence.  The melody is incredibly rhythmic on the pre-chorus, performed in a pop-rap style. Expectedly, the swagger is ‘out of the roof.’

“Nights on nights on nights

Days on days on days

Clockwork, night work, homework

We don’t take no breaks…”

The following chorus is successful as well, though not game changing.  It’s also followed by a more substantial post chorus (past the ellipses).

“10,000 hours of loving you

We gon’ get it right, get it right, baby…”

I’ll put in the time if you let me

I’ll fill up your mind with some memories

Babe I’m ‘bout to take to take 10,000 hours of loving you

We gon’ get it right, get it right, baby.”

Two tracks in, “so far, so good.”

“Healthy”

Writers: Amis Dilipkumar Patel, Austin Porter, Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Julian Bunetta, Nate Cyphert, Nick Mara, Wayne Hector & Zion Kuwonu «

Producers: ADP & Julian Bunetta

“Healthy” commences with gorgeous harmonies, which actually rival the boy band harmonies of the past.  Elements of “Healthy” possess cues that dominated the past, specifically 90s and early 00s pop.  Still, it’s refreshing in the same sense with the contemporary, urban influence.  Zion, Brandon, Edwin, Austin, and Nick each have parts during the course of the record – not just one voice dominates. The subject matter isn’t fitness, but rather the effect of wanting somebody so bad that it simply, “ain’t healthy.” The chorus sums up the sentiment perfectly:

“Nobody knows what it feels like

Nobody knows how to help me

And I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me

No, this ain’t healthy

How much I think about you every day

There’s no counting all the miles I go my way

And I’m sick thinking ‘bout you when you’re not with me

No, this ain’t healthy.”

Ultimately, “Healthy” ends up being a solid, enjoyable record.

“On My Way”

Writers: Alex Gibson, Edvard Erfjord, Fred Gibson, Henrik Michelsen & Rachel Keen « 

Producers: Electric & Fred

PRETTYMUCH concludes their debut EP with a second brand-new record, “On My Way.” Like the three songs that precede, the production and vibe are huge selling points.  While the song itself is okay at best, the swagger is turned-up to the nth degree. The profanity is censored (no f-bombs this early into their career) but listeners get the sense that these dudes are confident and incredibly cool.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does PRETTYMUCH an EP stack up? It’s on the same level as many inaugural releases by boy bands.  It’s not epic or groundbreaking but shows the promise of these talented young men.  The potential is certainly there without question.

Gems: “Hello” & “Healthy”

PRETTYMUCH • PRETTYMUCH an EP • Simco Limited • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credit: Simco Limited