Role Model’s sophomore album is perhaps one of the brightest heartbreak albums, and though it’s full of regret and longing, Tucker Pillsbury’s distinctive catchy melodies and hooks remain. After the success of his single ‘Deeply Still in Love’ (heavily TikTok-indebted) in May, fans were eager to see what else Role Model has to offer. The love-driven, engaging and honest song sets the tone for the album, similar to that of one of his earliest releases ‘Blind’, as its rhythmic intensity assures its status as a crowd pleaser.
Opener ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ mirrors this style with a blend of acoustic and electronic sound. Through upbeat melodies and isolated vocals Pillsbury describes his confusion after heartbreak and lack of direction. The chorus unites in harmony as the vocals are layered, before a surprising interlude of funky guitar riffs to close the track.
However, what follows has a rather intimate and direct tone in Pillsbury’s ballads of love lost. ‘Gemini’ moves from confusion toward methods of distraction, as Pillsbury leaves listeners devastated: “I self-medicate till I start feeling voices and I levitate” and a bridge of longing, “I remember your face, I called you mine, called you mine.” A melancholic song made for the heartbroken and those who have made unforgivable mistakes, Pillsbury’s lyrical abilities accompanied with his soothing vocals provide a sense of raw emotion and authenticity.
Pillsbury’s seamless genre-blending abilities are integral to his style and have improved with each release. ‘The Dinner’ and ‘Frances’ are two tracks which fuse pop, indie and country create a uniquely modern sound. Lizzie McAlpine features on ‘So Far Gone’ which is perhaps the most devastating song of the record. McAlpine is similarly known for making confessional coming-of-age songs and the two join forces for another melancholic, relaxed and honest track. Role Model’s minimalistic production allows the devastating lyrics and perfect harmonising vocals of the two to take centre stage.
This album takes a step further in vulnerability compared to Role Model’s 2022 release Rx. There is clear growth and improvement between the two records, and even though only two years apart, Pillsbury shows great potential and is already beginning to make his mark.
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