Glasgow indie-rock trio Junior VP return with their new single “American Optimism“, the latest track to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Do You Feel The Same?’, due in 2027.
Recorded at Glasgow’s now-closed Venice of the North Studios with Jamie Martin and mastered by Robin Sutherland (The Snuts, Swim School), ‘American Optimism’ draws sonic influence from both Billy Talent’s Surrender and Jimmy Eat World’s Work, while retaining the band’s own melodic sensibility and authenticity.
The song explores the temptation to give up when setbacks keep piling up & is built around melodic guitars and driving drums that create a gorgeous, expansive canvas for Macintosh’s emotionally weathered vocals and wistful lyrics to soar atop, giving the song an unusual tension between uplift and despair.
Junior VP has kindly taken the time to chat with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding their latest single and the upcoming debut album. You can find the full interview below.
Hey Junior VP, thank you for taking the time to chat with me today. How did the idea to form this trio come together?
Steven and I (Ross) have played music together for years and we wanted to make a proper go of it one last time. Andy joined later after we were on the lookout for a bassist.
What inspired the name Junior VP?
Deep down it’s probably a Simpsons reference (like most of the things I say). It’s also not a name that takes itself too seriously – neither do we.
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Indie rock? It’s such a broad genre but we fit in there amongst Modest Mouse, Idlewild and Turnover.
You just released the new single “American Optimism”. How did you come up with the idea to create this song?
It’s about just saying “f*ck it” and giving up and the blissful ignorance before you realise you have to press on.
What does this song personally mean to you?
It’s a really personal song but we try not to make anything too specific so that everyone can take their own thing from it.
Did you always plan to release “American Optimism” as a single?
Yup, it’s a banger. Every song we recorded for our album had to meet the standard of “would we release this as a single?”.
If listeners could take something from this song, what would you like it to be?
I’d like them to take that chorus and keep it in their head for a few weeks. Then I’ll know we’ve done our job.
This is the latest track from your upcoming album “Do You Feel The Same?”, arriving in 2027. What are some of the things that listeners can anticipate about the forthcoming album?
They can expect a collection of songs that we’re super proud of. Some dip into soundscapes and influences they might not expect. But ultimately 12 songs that they love.
What does this album mean to you?
Whatever happens in terms of numbers of listeners and how far it spreads, I’m so proud of what we achieved.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Thanks for reading about us! If you want to find out more or come say hi our socials are juniorvpband.
You can check out “American Optimism” on Spotify below or via further platforms here.
