Wallows, the indie band made up of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston, have been captivating listeners since their debut album “Nothing Happens,” released in 2019. The band is known for their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics and have built a dedicated and passionate fanbase throughout the years.

Wallows latest album “Model”, released on May 24, 2024, is a mix of familiar sounds and unexpected lyrical depth. This album presents a dichotomy: it feels both increasingly similar and yet drastically different from the band's earlier discography. “Model” offers listeners a refreshing yet familiar experience, staying true to their signature indie rock and alternative pop blend. 

The opening track, and first single off of the album, “Your Apartment”, sets an emotive tone for the listener with lines like “it isn’t fair to say I love you” and “I want to speak but you won't even talk to me.” It’s a powerful showcase of vulnerability alongside a catchy melody. 

The album’s third track (and second single that was released), “Calling After Me”, captures a mix of yearning and confidence with yet another catchy melody, easing fans and new listeners alike into the world of the album. “You’ve got everybody calling but I know that you’re calling after me.” 

The fourth track of “Model” is “Bad Dream.” Interestingly, despite its title, the song has a dreamy, soothing melody that seems to work against the concept of a bad dream, evoking the feeling of floating on a puffy cloud with its tonal qualities. 

The fifth track, “A Warning,” is marked by the poignant questions “Did you cross your fingers when you said forever? Did it look the same with the others before me? Am I just a name you flip through in your story?” It continues the trend of heightened emotional complexity that is present throughout the album, leaving the listener to reflect upon and even question their own experiences. 

The seventh track, and final single to be released, “You (Show Me Where My Days Went),” extends and amplifies the theme of yearning for a person for so long that days feel empty without them… “You’re what I’ve been chasing, show me where my days went..it’s youuuu”. 

Honorable Mentions 

The second track, “Anytime, Always,” stands out from the crowd with its mellow vibe and background percussion (specifically clapping), creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and energizing. The lyrics “let's make up the best years you and I have ever had” leading into the chorus of “you can call me anytime, always,” is sure to become a fan favorite at the live shows, encouraging crowd interactions.

Then, the ninth track, “Don’t You Think It’s Strange,” is my personal favorite. I had the privilege of hearing this track's first debut live on September 23, 2023 at The Roxy during Wallows’ final performance of 2023. The chorus - “even if I looked the other way, love / doesn’t mean I've got nothing to say, love / I’m just looking for a way to change up/ wonder if I’m ever gonna wake up / oh, don’t you think that it’s strange?” I can still hear the cheers of the crowd as they experienced the unreleased track for the first time, being left eager for what’s to come. 

In my opinion, Wallows have selected the perfect singles to promote this album. While initial impressions of the album might be mixed, with some tracks needing more time to grow on the listener, “Model” as a whole is a solid addition to the band’s discography. Both longtime fans and newcomers will find “Model” worth exploring and deserving of multiple listens to fully appreciate. This album might not captivate everyone immediately, but its potential to grow on the listener is undeniable. As a result, fans are left eagerly speculating about what the tour setlist will look like this year, anticipating a mix of new favorites and classic hits.

Below are a selection of photos from Wallows’ live performance at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, CA on May 29th, 2024

Photos by Abigail Zamora