On their new single ‘The Optimist’, Flavor Wave invite us into a softer, more contemplative corner of their sound, one that trades brash hooks for thoughtful restraint, while still packing an emotional punch.
Built around an evocative guitar motif crafted by Matthew Stretch, ‘The Optimist’ finds its emotional gravity in the push-and-pull between dual vocalists. There’s a conversational tone to the delivery that gives the impression of overhearing two friends processing their lives out loud. Frontman Kyle Loedel’s voice, warm and worn, leans into vulnerability without sounding fragile, while Patrick Blair’s rhythmic undercurrent gives the verses a grounded poise.
At its core, this track walks the line between melancholy and hope. The lyrics don’t offer neat resolutions, but rather sit with the weight of experience, acknowledging that pain doesn’t always come with a clear explanation. There’s a universality to lines that hint at both heartbreak and healing, letting each listener interpret their own meaning. Whether you’re mourning something or simply caught in the fog of “what now?”, there’s room here for your story too.
Bassist Noah Montgomery plays with elegance, letting space carry as much meaning as the notes themselves. His rounded tone nestles seamlessly into the mix, complementing the subdued energy. Stretch’s lead work is understated but purposeful, weaving gently around the arrangement like a distant memory reappearing in fragments.
The song has a warm, almost home-recorded quality, polished but still personal. The band’s long history of collaboration is evident in the chemistry that hums quietly beneath the surface of each verse and chorus.
As the first taste of what’s to come in 2025 from Flavor Wave, ‘The Optimist’ feels like a deliberate exhale; a song that slows time, leans into emotion, and reminds us that optimism isn’t loud. Sometimes, it’s simply the choice to keep going.
