I like the Shout Out Louds. They’re hopeful. They’re optimistic. They make boppy pop music that manages avoid being the even least bit annoying. Definitely one of the best songs off of their new album Optica, the recent single “Illusions” holds up to the group’s old standards beautifully. It’s just downright listenable.
Upbeat rhythm, magical synth, cheeky yet hopeful lyrics — it’s a song that sounds something like the perhaps contradictory mix between the perfect last song of the evening and an aura of new beginnings. Though I suppose those two things aren’t mutually exclusive — in fact, the song manages to make the two impressions work together quite well. In any case, there is little doubt that “Illusions” will be denied a spot on any of the hipster dance playlists of the moment.