Finneas - Optimist
by Nick Dent-Robinson
published: 8 / 12 / 2021

Label:
Interscope Records
Format: CD
intro
Versatile debut album from Californian producer and multi-instrumentalist Finneas, who is the brother of Billie Eilish
Finneas O'Connell is one of American pop's hot properties. He produced and co-wrote his sister Billie Eilish's two studio albums and, with Billie, helped create the latest Bond film theme. Deservedly, this Californian backroom boy is now starting to edge more into the limelight in his own right. For Finneas has launched his own first solo album, 'Optimist'. At 24, Finneas is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with particular ability playing keyboard, piano and guitar. He has in the past shown great originality as a producer, too. In fact, he is a significant talent - and 'Optimist' combines a sense of musical adventure with heartfelt lyrics that balance Generation Z angst with the sunnier moods the album's title suggests. 'A Concert Six Months From Now' is a pandemic love story that builds from an acoustic groove to a grunge-like climax with Finneas yearning for the post-lockdown normality of taking his girlfriend to see a band at the Hollywood Bowl. - “I've already purchased two seats for their show, I guess I'm an optimist”. Another track, 'The 90s', longs for what Finneas sees as a more innocent age. - “You could sign me up for a world without the internet,” Finneas sings wistfully. Finneas is already well-respected in the US music business. He has co-written for Justin Bieber and many more and is a sought-after producer. But the release of 'Optimist' is an interesting side-step for him. With all his talent and his range of abilities, Finneas certainly deserves this album to be a major success.
Track Listing:-
1 A Concert Six Months From Now2 The Kids Are All Dying
3 Happy Now?
4 Only A Lifetime
5 The 90s
6 Love is Pain
7 Peaches Etude
8 Hurt Locker
9 Medieval
10 Someone Else's Star
11 Around My Neck
12 What They'll Say About Us
13 How It Ends
Band Links:-
https://www.finneasofficial.com/https://www.facebook.com/FINNEASOFFICIAL/
https://twitter.com/finneas
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart