Role Model’s sophomore album ‘Kansas Anymore’ seemed to be on everyone’s mind before the project was released on July 19.
Snippets of songs circulated on social media – specifically “Look At That Woman” and “Deeply Still In Love” – in the weeks leading up to the album release. Many were quick to take note of the heartbreak, worry and love in the lyrics, as fans suspect the project largely discusses Role Model’s three-year relationship with Emma Chamberlain.
‘Kansas Anymore’ opens with the track “Writing’s On The Wall.” Although the lyrics speak of a failing relationship, the instrumentals are upbeat, with folk-esque guitar riffs and a steadfast drum. Many people – fans, critics, other musicians – often believe breakup albums to be a painful, sad art. Role Model proves a breakup album can be a projection of love and mourning without the melancholic sound, hence the decision to release the album in the summertime.
Role Model continues the album’s upbeat instrumentals and reflective lyrics on tracks “Scumbag” and “Oh, Gemini.” While the album is considered a pop project, elements of country and folk are mixed in throughout the songs. Role Model’s expertise in instrumental harmony with soft vocals truly shines on these tracks.
The sixth track “Superglue” is reminiscent of Role Model’s indie bedroom pop sound on his 2020 EP ‘our little angel‘ but relies on acoustic instrumentals to emphasize his words. Where many heartbreak albums may fall flat halfway through, ‘Kansas Anymore’ keeps audiences hooked on every word with this track.
“The Dinner,” the seventh track on the album, recites a conversation and analyzes relationships in Role Model’s life. The lyrics feel almost as though you’re listening to a conversation with the second verse: “It’s the way they never struggled, bills have always gotten paid/ Pockets never been in trouble, unemployed and unashamed / I’m the child of my mother, New England-born and raised / Where the common sense is common as a nose job in LA.”
Role Model continues to captivate audiences with his heartbreaking lyrics and peaceful acoustic guitar through songs like the bittersweet “So Far Gone (feat. Lizzy McAlpine)” and the contemplative “Slipfast.”
The album’s thirteenth and final track “Something, Somehow, Someday” is a somber yet light track that closes the chapter on the relationship Role Model sings of throughout the entire project. The chorus goes: “And I believe they’re meant to be / Something, somehow, someday.” It seems to follow the philosophy of letting someone you truly love go.
Although the project largely covers a breakup, ‘Kansas Anymore’ is a genuine labor of love. The sonic and lyrical shifts throughout the album have shown Role Model’s impressive growth as an artist from his early independent singles and his 2022 debut album. Complete with catchy verses and seventies-esque guitar chords, ‘Kansas Anymore’ solidifies Role Model as a leading force in the modern music industry.
He will be on tour with Gracie Abrams this fall. Tickets can be found here: https://www.heyrolemodel.com/tour/#/
Featured Photo Credit: Daniel Prakopcyk