Review
Elway
Hence My Optimism

Following a name change from the audibly slick 10-4 Eleanor and absurd legal debacles with John Elway of the Denver Broncos comes the follow-up EP from the Colorado 4-piece’s Red Scare debut. Hence My Optimism shows little progression from Elway’s previous efforts but proves there’s little merit in fixing what isn’t broken. Packing enough energy and rambunctious attitude to rival an unruly group of kindergartners, Hence My Optimism is 12 minutes of upbeat punk rock jams, jumping around at an electric pace and never letting up.

Beginning with the infectiously catchy “Dear Colorado,” Hence My Optimism effortlessly demands your attention in an instant. Vocalist/guitarist Tim Brown takes every song to anthemic proportions with his gravelly voice and lines like “I’ll pick up your guitar and write another song that skips around the point,” employing simple lyrics with more substance than their delivery hints to. With the running themes such as moving on and letting go, Elway successfully creates an easy attachment through mutual experience and shared personal anguish.

Melodically, Hence My Optimism is on point through every turn, tightly plugging along with determined excitement and an air of mischievous debauchery. In an atmosphere of distortion and heavy bass lines, this is an EP that exudes fun and the band’s enjoyment shines through. It’s that excitement and the youthful nature of all four songs that makes it as good as it is.

Elway seems to have found a formula that works exceptionally well for them and they know it, tossing around catchy hooks and soaring gang vocals with reckless abandon. Without sounding tired and stale, they bring all the staples of a good punk release to the table, infusing the regular chord progressions and song structures with a genuine and unmistakable air of good old rock and roll fun. With enough melodic chops to make your beard hair stand on end, Hence My Optimism is the perfect companion for both dingy basements and bright summer days.