Initially a solo project by guitarist and vocalist Lili Trifilio, Beach Bunny became a full band in 2017. She’s currently joined by bassist/lead guitarist Anthony Vaccaro and drummer Jon Alvarado.

Last spring they released their third album Tunnel Vison, full of urgent, guitar-based indie rock with pop melodies. It was met with critical acclaim. That long-player is now followed by a song that was written at the same time as Tunnel Vision. Year Of The Optimist pushes back on toxic vulnerability and Trifilio’s people pleasing tendencies.

“Put me on your pedestal, ’cause I’m the queen of self control,” she sings on the chorus. “I’ll smile when life hits the wall, but inside I’m afraid.” It ends with the promise (or is it a warning?): “I’m never gonna grow up, baby, I’m just gonna change.”

Year Of The Optimist by Beach Bunny is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

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In the Wildcards 2025 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.