Kevin Bronson on August 7th, 2020

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L.A.-based singer-songwriter Noah Elliott’s forthcoming EP is titled “Songs for the Optimist,” and before you say “opti-what!?!,” understand that, quarantine or no, the 23-year-old is forging ahead with plans to release its seven songs one per month.

The native of Hood River, Ore., got his start playing the Zimbabwean-style marimba music favored by his parents, who often hosted Zimbabwean bands at their home. His style evolved to more standard singer-songwriter fare, and the string of singles he released in 2018 earned attention on streaming services. (They have since been taken down but are available here.)

Last fall, he began collaborating with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to work on songs for “Optimist,” and “Never Feels the Same,” out today, is the first from the collection.

It’s a sleek, dancey soul-pop number that takes hold after the bubbly synth gives way to a big bass line, with Elliott’s silky vocals crooning an apology for his wayward behavior..

||| Stream: “Never Feels the Same”