Kansas Anymore: The Longest Goodbye

I've been listening to ROLE MODEL since his 2017 singles. He is absolutley one of the princes of pop. Rx was a very good debut album, and featured many of the singles I liked, but it wasn’t quite sophisticated enough to stick with me. Before you come at me, I do know ROLE MODEL’s sound is intentionally home-made and awkward in the adolescent kind of way. still, I think Kansas Anymore has the maturity I was looking for. If nothing else, his production and writing have become more layered/nuanced.

Some Protector is one of my favorite indie songs of the year (and why I'm including the deluxe version of the record here, rather than the original). Overall, the record feels incredibly raw and relatable, especially because it is rather openly about his public relationship (and breakup) with Emma Chamberlain. Another interesting aspect is the country theme. From the cover to the title to the tracks, Kansas Anymore is yet another record that reflects country’s trendy-ness, making it’s way into almost every single other genre. Admittedly, the country cosplay of non-country artists initially bothered me. I've gotten over it now, and can look at their work more objectively. ROLE MODEL suits the folk-pop sound well, even though it’s not what he grew up in (in Maine). Do I think the album acheived anything new, per say? No, not necessarily. Is it beautiful and honest, and will I keep coming back to it to feel seen? Yes.

UPDATED REVIEW: We all know that multiple listens (and personal circumstances) can change our outlook on a piece of music. I have only returned to express a newfound appreciation for Kansas Anymore. I think what I like about it is that it makes me like ROLE MODEL. I really feel as though this album reveals the kind of person he is, and I just so happen to like that person quite a bit. He seems kind and funny and relateable. Capable of understanding nuance (in life, in people, in relationships) and reflecting it in his music. I like that he writes so maturely, respectfully, and beautifully about some of the hardest heartbreak. That kind of heartbreak that is cruel because its kind. I can feel his relationship slipping, breaking. I can feel him trying to keep it together. To piece it back together. To fight for it. To move on. To come to terms with a new reality. After years of growing up with this person. Its that heartbreak where you part ways and you know its for the best even though it kills you. Even though you may still feel ‘deeply still in love’ with that person at times. Losing yourself in other people to cope. Looking for them in other people. And wanting the best for them at the same time. I think Slut Era Interlude might be the saddest on the record. It captures the ultimate lonely, painful chapter in-between when you are, well, yeah, in your slut era. As a means to cope. And I guess it helps just enough to get you through. But it also hurts tremendously because there is no greater reminder of what you lost.