Albums: Role Model Kansas Anymore.

Role Model Kansas Anymore.

Writing’s On The Wall; Look At That Woman; Scumbag; Oh, Gemini; Frances; Superglue; The Dinner; Deeply Still In Love; Slut Era; So Far Gone; Slipfast; Compromisel Something, Somehow, Someday

Label: Interscope / Polydor

Role Model has been on quite the evolutionary journey since signing with Interscope back in 2018. Over the course of his EPs and 2022 studio album, Rx, he showed that he was an artist finding his feet and growing his voice. From the early start of more rap-tinged rock leanings, he has evolved into a singer/songwriter who hasn’t lost his honesty but remoulded it sonically and lyrically into a new realm for his sophomore release, Kansas Anymore.

Role Model, an artist born in small-town Maine and now based in Los Angeles, sometimes grapples with the claustrophobic nature of city life, a struggle that the lyrical content of the record reflects. With a titular nod to the Wizard of Oz, Kansas Anymore moves gently into a subtle country-tinged rock sound that doesn’t lose his initial musical identity but allows it room to breathe in a new domain.

While the lyrical content may at times deal with darker themes of struggles of homesickness and heartache, the overriding sonic leaning is one of warmth. This is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve but seeks to simultaneously show the light in dark situations. A breezy optimism lifts the mood, and the poppy undertones ensure Role Model has unintended radio appeal.

The prominent banjo on the record significantly enhances the album's standout features. Oh, Gemini, while the gorgeous Superglue has understated summer bop vibes and is destined for radio glory (with a radio edit to clean up the lyrics, of course!). Joining them in the top three is the hum-along anthem The Dinner, which proves the emotional crux of the record.

While the songs are powerful, the true strength of Kansas Anymore lies in the repositioning of his artistic voice. Role Model is now a mainstream contender, with the potential to become one of the voices of 2024.