The Optimists Photo Credit: Day Rutherford
Since their creation in 2018, the Isle of Wight, UK-based indie-rock band The Optimists have been thrilling crowds with their five-piece lineup. With its dynamic blend of early 2000s indie rock and 90s Britpop influences, the band—which consists of drummer Jacob Cass, bassist Henry Bolton, lead guitarist Aaron Meakin, keyboardist Jacob Hopkinson, and frontman Matt Read—has carved out a special place for themselves in the music industry. Their progression from small-town shows to the main stages of festivals is evidence of their unwavering enthusiasm and considerable skill.
From the beginning, The Optimists were motivated by a common passion for soulful and physically stirring music. Numerous practice sessions in claustrophobic garages and fervent shows in tiny halls all across the Isle of Wight characterized their early years. A larger audience soon became aware of them because to their contagious enthusiasm and catchy tunes. With their catchy choruses and lively rhythms, songs like “Chase the Sun” and “Retro-Mania” were hits that resonated with listeners far beyond their island home.
The Optimists had significant growth in 2018 as they started to establish themselves in the cutthroat indie-rock scene. Their signature live performances were marked by a strong connection with the crowd and a high level of intensity. They already had a devoted following when they published their first EP, “Small Talk,” in 2023. They received critical acclaim and paved the stage for even greater success with the EP, which demonstrated their talent for fusing nostalgic inspirations with a contemporary touch.
The highlight of The Optimists’ career was their 2023 main stage performance at the Isle of Wight Festival. Their prominence in indie rock was cemented by this achievement, which also created new avenues for them to pursue, including as their eagerly awaited 2024 appearance at the Victorious Festival. The group has never wavered from their core values, always growing while maintaining a connection to the music that first brought them together.
Released on July 19th, 2024, “Not A Big Deal,” the latest single from The Optimists, will dazzle you. This powerful song, which showcases the band’s development while remaining faithful to the sound that has won them fans all over the world, represents a daring new chapter in their history. The song, which was written by frontman Matt Read during a difficult time, exudes a spirit of defiance and liberation and perfectly captures the idea of carefree resilience.
The intense song “Not a Big Deal” seizes your attention right away and doesn’t let go. The song is the ideal balance of strength and melody thanks to its strong guitar riffs, booming percussion beats, and Matt’s emotive vocals. The song’s raw, intense sound will leave you wanting more. It was influenced by early 2000s indie bands like The Hives. The message of “Rise Above Adversity” and “Embracing a Fearless Attitude” in this song will definitely connect with listeners, regardless of their familiarity with The Optimists.
Ever wondered what happens when rock meets power and vigor? I’ll tell you, “Not a Big Deal” by The Optimists is what happens, a rock work of art, with a consistent outflow of power and intensity, vigor and vibrance, reverberating energy and groove. This song is going to have you in a chokehold from the moment it starts to the very last note with its intense instrumentation. From the very beginning, I was hit with a tornado of powerful sounds, a beautiful energetic collision of maddening guitar riffs and powerful drum notes, creating the perfect power-rock opening. The guitar strings had an intense aura, like they were reverberating, and the drum beat was intense. Together, they created an underdeveloped fast tempo upbeat rock rhythm and shortly after, I heard the voice of the lead singer.
His voice was also powerful, filled with passion and zeal. Because of him, I could feel the music coursing through my veins, with intensity and vitality. Also, his vocals had an echo effect, like I could feel it twice in my head. At the 0:40 timestamp, the song’s intensity fully developed with powerful vocals that could cause a storm. The intense drum beat could stir up a tornado with each heavy-hitting note. The bass lines brought thickness and richness with their heavy aura, and the guitar riffs were totally maddening. It was so powerful and insane. The intensity within each element was palpable, like you could feel every instrument separately while feeling them together at once. It was powerful and magical.
This complete harmonization of these sounds created the perfect power rock piece, with an intense aura, a powerful rhythm, a fast tempo, and upbeat progression, an energetic groove that will leave you breathless. This song’s intensity continued throughout its duration. It was like a short time bomb that exploded every step of the way. I was left in a chokehold throughout the song, gasping for air. The Optimists really showed why they’re a riff-driven piece because the riffs and guitar strings of this song had too much insanity behind them. The vocalist, well, I can see why he’s their vocalist because the amount of energy needed to compliment this kind of insane and intense instrumentation is truly immense. Truly a powerful work of art, a true sonic masterpiece.
The band’s ability to so deftly combine unadulterated emotion with technical skillfulness was what most impressed me. Each instrument had a distinct sound that combined to create a chaotic yet exquisitely controlled soundscape. The drummers banged out a steady yet powerful rhythm, keeping the mayhem in check as the guitars shouted with a desperation that made each riff sharper than the last. The whole piece felt bigger than life thanks to the bass lines’ depth, which created the sensation of a heartbeat in your chest. This song was more than simply some music; it completely engrossed me.
The story of resistance and emancipation drew me in as I heard the lyrics. I could really relate to Matt Read’s voice when he spoke about letting go and embracing a carefree attitude. The song’s lyrics were about rising above one’s own challenges and refusing to let other people’s expectations hold you down. It was a message of perseverance, of overcoming hardship and finding fortitude in the face of difficulties. “Not a Big Deal” became an anthem for everyone who has gone through difficult times and emerged stronger as a result of the strong musical and lyrical combination that had a significant impact.
Another thing that is commendable in “Not a Big Deal” is the production quality. And while the song has been finely tuned the entire time, it still has a raw edge that gives it authenticity. Each brilliant instrument contributes to the overall harmony and is in perfect sync with the others. The crisp, pure vocals perfectly capture Matt’s passionate delivery. The song is masterfully written and emotionally impactful, and the production brings the song’s intensity to a new level without detracting from the band’s organic energy.
While listening to “Not a Big Deal,” I couldn’t help but notice how the song was influenced creatively by indie artists from the early 2000s. The song has a fresh, modern vibe, but it also has a nostalgic quality that takes me back to an era of pure, unadulterated music. The Optimists’ music is both well-known and novel because they blended aspects of earlier influences with their own unique style. In today’s music scene, “Not a Big Deal” stands out due to its unique blend of the old and the modern, appealing to both new and devoted listeners.
The powerful song “Not a Big Deal” by The Optimists is excellent on all fronts. The song’s engaging lyrics and potent instrumentation instantly grab your attention. By deftly combining pure passion with exact time, the band crafts a musical masterpiece that is both exhilarating and deeply moving. “Not a Big Deal” is a must-listen for everyone searching for a song that embodies tenacity and rebellion. I would strongly advise listening to this song and, if possible, seeing The Optimists perform live. “Not a Big Deal” is the ideal illustration of their intensity and passion, which are absolutely remarkable, and it demonstrates why they are a formidable presence in the indie rock scene.
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