With their debut album, Fantastic Playroom, having been shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Award in 2007, expectations are high for New Young Pony Club’s second release The Optimist. The album is set to hit the market on the 8^th of March, and fans of the modest British five-piece will not be disheartened, unless they are seeking something starkly different from the preceding album. Although the group endeavoured to write a whole new selection of songs for the follow up of their 2007 release, The Optimist does not convey anything particularly innovative or unheard of previously. However, that is not to say it isn't a good listen.

Upon reading this album’s name, I immediately developed some preconceptions about what subject matters could be covered. I wondered; will it be an album about the tragedies of the world and ‘The Optimist’ is completely misleading? Or an album about how great the world is, and the title ‘The Optimist’ is not misleading at all? Or, maybe just a cynic’s guide to getting by in a world towards which one is quite neutral. In the end, I was met with an album that really just explores quotidian activities and emotions, but with a little more flair than many of NYPC’s pop counterparts can manage.

It contains ten catchy new-wave pop tracks, each consistent with NYPC’s signature blend of heavy guitar riffs, dominant drum-beats and the unique voice of Tahita Bulmer. The result is a heavily produced compilation of songs, though few of which are over-the-top thanks to the skills of producer and co-founder Andy Bulmer. Synthesisers and effects on vocals create a mysterious and cosmic sound, a sound that is becoming increasingly common in today’s music industry. Nonetheless, NYPC have done everything right by maintaining the balance between contemporary dance-pop with mellow, lyrical melodies.

The opening song is a standout called "Lost A Girl", which declares that ‘words go too far’, therefore appropriately including several renditions of ‘lalala’ throughout. Similarly, the lyrics of title track "The Optimist" resonate long after the song is over, leaving behind the very appropriate message to ‘try not to be disappointed’. Despite the claim from the band members themselves that they do not care too much for radio hits, I’m sure that this album will still contain several songs that circuit the airwaves on Triple J for some time.

Review Score: 7.5/10