A sophomore album that excels at self-subversion...
Brooklyn's bold four-piece, Model/Actriz, demonstrated their ability to shape sound on their debut ‘Dogsbody’ not through multi-genre fluency, but through an abstract genrelessness marked by crashing grace. Their combination of audacious noise and sultry vulnerability was captivating. Even prior to their debut, they impressed local audiences with their energy and intensity. In their follow-up ‘Pirouette’, the group remains as agile and precise as ever, albeit with a touch more sonic restraint.
In their interactions, the changes are subtle yet evident: the jagged edges of their debut give way to slightly more conventional structures, and although the controlled chaos still erupts when needed, the group exercises more restraint and intention. The album opener, ‘Vespers’, kicks off with sharp guitar riffs before their signature overwhelming bass tone sweeps through the song, concluding with dissonant chimes in the stripped-back final chorus. It sets up a distinctive blend of club energy and rock instrumentation—a formula they revisit throughout the record.
Their lead single ‘Cinderella’ showcases this sound through syncopated guitars, familiar bass, and sharp hi-hats; it's a mesmerizing exhibition of their command over noise and rhythm. The track undulates and transforms within its duration, coiling before unleashing. Frontman Cole Haden employs metaphorical mastery to describe a lover, although perhaps with a more detached perspective than in a similar track on ‘Dogsbody’. ‘Diva’ is straightforward yet another standout, beginning with plucky guitar arpeggios and a more conventional drumbeat. In the chorus, Jack Wetmore’s guitar morphs into a bolder, more industrial sound, while a hi-hat reintroduces dance-y/new wave elements. Haden reflects on drinking culture; expressing frustration at its monotony while celebrating its vices. The chaos is impeccably mixed, with Seth Manchester (Lingua Ignota, Mdou Moctar) ensuring the balance of noise remains comprehensible.
While the individual components are remarkable, their reliance on familiar sounds can occasionally be frustrating. Aaron Shapiro’s enveloping bass on ‘Ring Road’ plays a crucial role in uniting many tracks, but can feel somewhat tedious during ‘Audience’. Likewise, Wetmore’s consistent, distorted guitar stabs are versatile on ‘Departures’, yet it may leave one feeling that there’s even more untapped potential. Nevertheless, each track is rich with transformations, ensuring there is always something intriguing. ‘Doves’, featuring recognizable guitars, presents a tighter drum machine rhythm infused with intricate hi-hat patterns. The intro to ‘Departures’ carries an almost nu-metal vibe, flitting around its initial chords, while the group continues to display their talent for building up only to let the wave crash. Haden’s vocals convey confidence yet vulnerability in falsetto, echoing his lyrical contemplation of the anxiety tied to desiring to be someone else while also accepting oneself.
When they do deviate, such as in the almost funk bass groove on ‘Acid Rain’, they manage to weave it seamlessly into their sonic identity without sacrificing their unique style. The song even features folk-like acoustic riffs and harmonious interactions between Haden’s vocals and the delicate guitar. ‘Headlights’ presents a spoken word piece backed by ethereal synths; Haden's words are powerful and melancholic, depicting first adolescent infatuations and struggles with sexuality. It’s stripped down yet a stunning demonstration of their versatility. Similar to ‘Dogsbody’, the album’s closing track ‘Baton’ is reflective, featuring soft, pan-flute-like synths juxtaposed with booming bass drums and cymbal crashes.
‘Pirouette’ embodies contrasts, and Model/Actriz represent juxtapositions. They skillfully place seemingly clashing sounds alongside one another, and with lyrical finesse and technical skill, they make it all work seamlessly. They consistently infuse club-pop energy while utilizing traditional rock instrumentation while maintaining a level of lyrical honesty and wit that is rarely matched. Thus, ‘Pirouette’ is most compelling when it pushes these elements to their limits, and while it remains an engaging listen overall, it stumbles slightly when reverting to the familiar.
8/10
Words: Yu An Su
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Brooklyn's most daring four-member group, Model/Actriz, demonstrated in their debut 'Dogsbody' that they excel at shaping their sound not through a mastery of various genres, but rather
