“Does it change the way you see me?“
Since their debut in 2019, synthetic alt-rock outfit noyou have trodden a genre-blending path that takes cuts from historical influences whilst adding a refreshing, modern charm. The group, based out of Sunderland, have taken a steady single-led approach. Now they look to establish themselves with their debut EP, This Game We Started. While noyou’s sound is difficult to pinpoint, what they offer up is reminiscent of early Kids In Glass Houses, Deaf Havana and We Are The Ocean, with the addition of synths that we’ve seen from the likes of The Midnight. All this, with their own sonic flavouring.
There’s a unique charm to This Game We Started that has been a rarity in the scene recently. In its opening tracks, “The Way You See Me” and “Same Old Story“, there’s a colour and a vibrancy that many UK bands have failed to tap into. This isn’t meant to be a slight on what is a scene going through a renaissance, rather that noyou add to an ever-growing mosaic of bands contributing towards a strength and depth hitherto unseen. It’s difficult not to get lost in the groovy riffs and beats of the EP’s opening moments, with each instrument offering up its own unique contribution. The synths and guitars dance with each other, while the drums provide a spine with some grand fills. Layered with Connor Jobes’ unique and deep vocals, this make for an entrancing soundscape.
The EP has the potential to lock listeners in like a snake charmer, with acoustic guitar-blended title track “Love Is Enough” offering up a soulful experience. At this point, noyou have already made a habit of using synths and sampling to actively enhance the record, whereas these elements are usually relegated to the background. Without them, the group would perhaps fall into the the trap of being a nostalgia act, but their capable use allows the sound first brought to fruition in the early 2010s to be brought fresh into the next decade.
As This Game We Started enters its closing straights, it refuses to give up. “Fake A Smile” presents a turn in the road with an absolute bop of a groovy track; the racing synths and beats are sheer infectious pieces of music. It shakes off any dust that may have settled during the midpoint track, and prevents the EP from letting up. Even as it slows down during its closing moments, it remains undeniably catchy. Seeing out the EP is closer “Make It Easy“, a heartfelt experience which sees the lyricism take the reigns. “I’m tired of sleeping on my own, more than you could know. I never want want to face another night alone, make it easy for me babe” delivers a two-footed tackle to the heart. Before the track concludes, there comes a pleasant, joyous, and altogether unexpected curveball in the form of a huge saxophone solo.
Every so often there are bands you come across that reignite that joy of discovering new music. noyou will be that for many listeners with This Game We Started. Huge and impactful moments make the most of the limited runtime afforded by its five tracks. As mentioned, it takes a sound developed in the previous decade and reinvents it for the the new decade with wonderful synth work and standout vocals. With a new era of bands coming to the forefront within the UK, many containing new sounds and influences, it would be amiss if noyou were excluded from that.
8.5/10
This Game We Started is out this Friday via self-release.