It seems Jonathan Kimball can't help but make great music. With a background of collaborating in progressive rock, roots reggae, punk, and ska bands - no one would have expected his solo masterpiece would sound so beautiful and delicate. It ranges from traditional vocal harmony-driven folk, to bluesy slide jams, to psychedelic soundscapes, topped off with jazzy horn instrumentals that fit together nicely as a debut release for this emerging alt-folk singer-songwriter. His self-produced debut solo record, which easily sounds as if it could be his 3rd, is a brilliant offering to the musical world and proves he is wise beyond his years. Aptly titled "Optimisms", one can't help but acknowledge the albums relevance to a more hopeful world under the new Obama administration, though it should be noted that it's country western glimpses would likewise be loved by any gunslingin' Bush follower.