Model/Actriz Takes a Bold Step forward with ‘Pirouette’ Album
When a pirouette in ballet is executed with finesse, it embodies elements of grace and strength, delicacy and power. It’s no wonder that Model/Actriz chose this as the title of their new album, released today. Each of the 11 tracks on the album is a thrilling showcase of controlled chaos, from the driving drums and swift guitar of “Vespers” to the vibrant percussion and bold lyrics of “Diva,” to the electric fuzz and meticulous call-and-response of “Departures.” Just like witnessing a prima ballerina nail a high-stakes pirouette, the impact of the music is dazzling.
Lead vocalist Cole Haden, known for his magnetic stage presence and introspective lyrics about queer life, formed Model/Actriz with drummer Ruben Radlauer and guitarist Jack Wetmore while studying at Berklee College of Music in 2016. After a brief hiatus, they reunited in 2019, adding bassist Aaron Shapiro to the lineup. Following the release of their explosive debut album, “Dogsbody,” in 2023, the band steadily built a loyal following over nearly two years of non-stop touring. With “Pirouette,” it seems like Model/Actriz is poised to break into the mainstream music scene.
This album signifies a slight sonic shift as the band leans into their pop sensibilities and Haden’s talent for clever, cheeky lyrics. The lead single, “Cinderella,” with a music video setting a contemporary twist on the fairytale in Brooklyn, showcases the band’s raucous sound blended seamlessly with catchy pop hooks inspired by artists like Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue. This newfound openness in their music explores themes of sex, shame, and the self, creating a vulnerable and personal sound, as stated by Haden.
The band’s intensive touring schedule for “Dogsbody” helped inform the direction they wanted to take with “Pirouette” by evolving their sound to match the energy of their live performances. Drawing influences from various artists like Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and David Bowie, Model/Actriz’s music is a fusion of past and present, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.
When asked about the challenges of shaping the new album’s sound, the band explained that amidst a busy tour schedule, they managed to carve out time for a writing trip to Nashville where the foundation for “Pirouette” was laid. This new album reflects a more direct and candid approach to their songwriting practice, with tracks like “Cinderella” addressing themes from the past and present, exploring childhood memories and personal growth.
The title “Pirouette” captures the essence of the album perfectly, symbolizing the delicate balance between falling off balance and maintaining composure with skill, akin to a skilled ballerina. The band’s remarkable combination of vulnerability, energy, and genre-blending music makes “Pirouette” a standout album of the year.