Kansas Anymore

justinwelshhh

evanheinnn

servicedog

ltiv

Ryan1Nunez

I’ll admit it, I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into Kansas Anymore by Role Model, but this record absolutely grew on me. There’s sincerity in the songwriting and a folksier, indie-pop vibe that’s miles away from the slick alt-pop he was doing before, and that honesty is the thing that pulled me in.  The emotional arc — heartbreak, nostalgia, self-awareness is clear from start to finish, with moments that genuinely stick with you like “Look at That Woman” and the duet “So Far Gone.”  But for every genuinely affecting moment, there are a few tracks that drift or feel lyrically familiar, dragging the pace just a bit. Vocals and melodies are pleasant but don’t always grab you instantly, and at times the album wears its influences on its sleeve a little too obviously.  As someone who came in curious and found myself genuinely connecting with pieces of it, I’d say Kansas Anymore is a comfy, emotional listen even if it never fully hits classic status. It’s a solid, heart-on-its-sleeve effort that convinced me Role Model isn’t just a flash in the pan.

pitchfork