Songhoy Blues formed in 2012 after three of its members fled northern Mali following the Islamic radicalist takeover of parts of the country. Settling in Bamako, Mali's capital, the group gigged hard throughout the city, and began playing and recording in the U.K. within a few short years. The band reached wider exposure through international touring, appearances in the 2015 documentary They Will Have to Kill Us First, and the release of their Nick Zinner-produced debut album, Music in Exile. Subsequent releases included collaborations with Iggy Pop, Femi Kuti, and Will Oldham. Optimisme is their third full-length, and without question, it comes closer to capturing the ecstatic energy of their concerts better than anything else they've recorded. Produced by Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Superwolf, the Desert Sessions), the album has a bold crunch to it, immediately channeling the group's hard rock influences on riff-happy opener "Badala." Kinetic, effects-laden tracks like "Assadja" and "Gabi" are at once psychedelic, proggy, and danceable -- building tight, knotty polyrhythms seems second nature to the musicians, and the inventive production adds to the songs' allure without diluting their power. "Fey Fey" is a highly potent Afrobeat rhythm distilled into three minutes, while "Pour Toi" starts out slower and more reserved before breaking into a rousing disco beat. As the album's title indicates, an undying sense of optimism is at the heart of the band's music. Mainly written in the Songhay language, the songs' lyrics are hopeful yet realistic, confronting the corrupt, oppressive, misogynistic establishment and praising all who remain strong and continue to work at bettering their communities. The English-sung "Worry" is the album's most direct, universal statement of encouragement and persistence, and easily one of their catchiest, most anthemic songs. The band is at the top of their game and the songs all sound great, but more importantly, the messages they're expressing have never been more relevant.