We’re all familiar with the classic love song. It has been done time and time again, in many different genres and eras of music, which is what makes ROLE MODEL’s debut full-length, Rx extremely refreshing. Filled to the brim with vulnerable lyricism and unconventional love songs, ROLE MODEL has created pop music (and love songs) with substance on Rx.
Lyrically, Rx is very blunt and to the point. Songs like the stunning opening track, “die for my bitch” the emotional, “if jesus saves, she’s my type” and the slow jam, “masturbation song” find ROLE MODEL doing some soul searching and laying it all on the line. These songs don’t mince words, and the result is something that is surprisingly relatable (see the line, “I need someone who can hold me like the fairytales” in “if jesus saves, she’s my type”). “life is funny” loops back around to the lyrical themes on “if jesus saves, she’s my type”, humanizing religious figures in lines like “I saw Satan crying about a breakup / messing up her makeup” while “can you say the same” finds ROLE MODEL reflecting on his life, declaring, “Yeah I might not have a lot / but I work with what I’ve got / Can you say the same?”.
Each track on Rx has a very distinct sound, as well, further solidifying ROLE MODEL’s place as a mainstay in the alt-pop world. While the massive “die for my bitch” is carried by dreamy synth and a simplistic drum beat, the darker “stripclub music” is surprisingly empowering and the hauntingly beautiful “neverletyougo” leans more into hip-hop. ROLE MODEL doesn’t hold back on Rx, showcasing his diversity in a way that doesn’t come off as meandering or indecisive, but more so feels like a celebration of his musical prowess.