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9.4/10
The New York-based noise-rock band Model/Actriz comes through with one of the most stunning debut albums I've heard in a while, and for many the best album to come out so far this year.
Opening the album is "Donkey Show", and although the name of the track may seem funny, the track is far from laughable. The shaky vocal performance draws you in, only for you to be shocked once the beat drops into the grimy, distorted electric guitar which is accompanied by aggressive drums. I love how this track takes multiple twists and turns, keeping you on your toes--it's such a gripping intro. The next track "Mosquito" keeps you in this grip, containing so many details and textures, and great drums, especially at the end where it unleashes. This track is lyrically not my favorite; “body count of a mosquito” along with his serious and emotion-filled vocal performance is pretty comedic. It is a stand-out track instrumentally, though. "Crossing Guard" is one of my favorites on the album. I love the catchy chorus and "screeching" noise; it just makes you scrunch up your nose in positive disgust. The drums on this track are insanely unique, with them being aggressive but also somehow having a slight groovy touch to them. The vocal performance is also super captivating, pulling you in, especially with that last note at the end--it's a beautiful all-out ending, and you can hear the soul poured into it.
"Crossing Guard" transitions ever so smoothly into "Slate", a song with super sharp percussion and synths along with amazing bass. When that screeching arpeggio synth is introduced, it’s automatic chills down the spine. The end of this track is what stands out the most to me, going all out with a super grimy, emotional vocal performance on top of it. "Divers" follows, which is a bit of a snoozy track, at least containing a pretty delightful instrumental and cool brief touch of tension-building drums. "Amaranth" has lovely distortion, from the vocals to the drums. The electric guitar is what makes the song, it's super clean and sharp sounding yet adds this dirty texture--it's a very industrial sound. "Pure Mode" was another highlight of the album. Starting with a lovely fast-paced hi-hat, the dive it takes into a dark electric guitar that comes in and out as the track goes on, eerie bass, and a solid vocal performance from Cole as he goes from gut-wrenching belting to a calm breathy tone and buried low harmonies. "Maria" is one of the more theatrical tracks, with a distant drum, distorted guitar, and grunting vocals that add such a unique touch. The best way to describe this track is to compare it to a rollercoaster, giving you time to breathe and then pulling you back into chaos. "Sleepless" is a gorgeous track, with a weighted distorted bass, wonderful reverbed vocals, and a beautiful display of falsetto from Cole. The last half of the track is the epitome of noise rock, it's just perfectly done. Buried vocals, screams, distorted drums, distant symbols, muddy electric guitar--it has it all and is layered and mixed to perfection. Closing the album is the minimalistic and calming track "Sun In". I love the ringing in the background at the start accompanied by the bright guitar, and Cole's breathy vocals accompanied by the crisp guitar give you a moment to reflect on the chaotic ride you just went on in the form of 'Dogsbody'.
Model/Actriz proves with this album that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. I'm excited to see what their future holds and how they will top this project. This is how you do a debut album.
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