After the true masterclass that was “Kansas Anymore: The Longest Goodbye,” Tucker Pillsbury, aka ROLE MODEL, has made his return to music with his new album “Chuck Timely and the Hourglass.”
What made fans fall in love with “Kansas Anymore: The Longest Goodbye” was the honesty and vulnerability he poured into each lyric. A personal favorite of mine is “Something, Somehow, Someday,” a declaration of love and a manifestation that love will endure.Â
However, his new album is a welcome shift from yearning for a specific person to finding love in general. The album opens with “Chuck’s Mantra,” which truly is a mantra of how Pillsbury is “deserving” of the love that may come his way. This opening sets the tone for the album as a whole, with each song having the same undertone: Chuck is ready to let go and find love. (Chuck is ROLE MODEL’s alter ego, created to go with the album). Â
This story continues through songs like “Chasing Midnight,” which explores a relationship that both people know is bound to end, but they continue “chasing midnight” to enjoy the time they have left.Â
The album closes with “Harmony,” and it is the acceptance: accepting the past, letting it go, and being ready for whatever love comes next.
“Whatever kept me awake last night
 Is finally giving me one night free”
ROLE MODEL uses this song to express how he has left his baggage behind and is finally ready to move on from his past relationships and “settle into some harmony.”
“Chuck Timely and the Hourglass” is not only ROLE MODEL’s return to music, but also his return to himself. This album exceeded my expectations, and I am so excited to have the privilege of hearing this story live at the Greek Theatre in October. Â