Stylin & Profylin

OK, OK, OK. You’ve seen enough of these R&B male formula groups in the past 10 years to last you a lifetime. All they do is whine and grind, and most of them can’t even really sing, you say. If the day of the sweaty, moaning and muscle-bound, sex-begging crooner ain’t over by now, you argue, well it sure as hell oughta be. But maybe there’s room for just one more male group on R&B’s mean scene, one that doesn’t quite fit the mold.

On first glance, it might be easy to dismiss the Louisiana natives who make up Motown’s talented new act, but Profyle’s first single, “Liar,” will give pause to even the most skeptical listener. The skillfully composed and smoothly delivered track — a rare male rendering of the scorned-lover tale in which its character takes every possession, including the dog — serves notice that these guys are not just another style-over-substance stage act. Managed by the Detroit-based Yorktown Entertainment artist promotion agency, Profyle hints at staying power in a fickle genre.

Nothing But Drama features soulful vocals over tracks that deal with common love and relationship themes. Simple romantic sweetness can be heard in the words and instrumentals of “Every Little Thing,” while veteran soloist Joe lends his pen and his voice to the catchy, midtempo “I Do.” The moments when Profyle slips into formula-group mode, like the obviously titled “Nasty” and the obligatory guest rapper appearance, are few and far between. Even in the crowded field of similar acts, it would be a mistake to overlook this four-man rhythm crew.

Eddie B. Allen Jr. writes about film for Metro Times. Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.