ALBUM REVIEW: Role Model – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass

Polydor Records

Released: 07.08.26

An ode to love and hope: Role Model’s (Tucker Pillsbury) twelve-track Chuck Timely & The Hourglass imbues the listener with a sense of nostalgia in its portrayal of the timeless nature of longing.

In his third studio album, Pillsbury explores different facets of love through the lens of time-traveller Chuck Timely, to consider the consequence of societal pressure to be in a relationship. From the sun-soaked energy of High Hopes 3000 to the soft melancholia of Honeydew, he seamlessly combines the sounds of indie-pop, country and folk to create a wholly unique sound.

The album begins with Chuck’s Mantra, considering the fear of time and hope for a meaningful relationship, characterised by its underlying Gospel music influences. The track begins with a persistent yet whispering drumbeat, with Pillsbury singing almost a cappella-style, creating an atmosphere of loneliness and desperation. As he repeats his ‘mantra’, the strings slowly grow louder, and a choir of backing vocals emerge, creating an almost angelic atmosphere that reflects an increased certainty that he deserves a relationship. However, the album quickly pivots to its specific exploration of experiences of love and desire.

Arguably the standout track, Love I You, depicts a drunken love confession, full of infectious lyrics, a playful guitar beat, and even a flirtatious bar conversation featuring Dakota Johnson. The track’s chorus persistently haunts the mind long after the album has drawn to a close, as Pillsbury depicts the rambling desperation for romance revealed in a drunken state.

Good Thing sees a shift to greater emotional exposure and integrity, exploring the profound vulnerability of wanting to fall in love and the struggles of personal introspection, accompanied by easy instrumentals and softened vocals. This theme continues in Service Receipt; masked in a snappy drumbeat and bright guitar tone, the song creates the false impression of joy that the hopelessly devoted outwardly assume. Meanwhile, its lyrics explore the regretful feeling of a persisting unrequited crush, and the emotional turbulence of maintaining those feelings.

Drawing the album to a close, Harmony opens with a steady drumbeat and ascending piano keys, as it depicts falling in love and finally working to keep a relationship. As the track progresses, the music becomes increasingly upbeat, reflecting the lyrical discussion of letting go of worries. Role Model leaves us with an optimistic reminder that everything will work out in love, life and hope.

A patchwork record of the realities of singlehood, this album truly shows off Pillsbury’s storytelling abilities, whilst maintaining his vibrant, compelling and genre-blending sound.