The Setlist & The Script

Cassia – everyone, outside (Distiller Records)
Released: April 11, 2025

When Cassia first emerged, they were often described as a band bringing a much-needed splash of sunshine to the indie scene. Their energetic blend of indie-pop, tropical rhythms, and feel-good melodies quickly made them fan favourites. With everyone, outside, their third studio album, they’ve embraced their signature sound while broadening their horizons, creating a record that feels both expansive and intimate in equal measure.

Following a couple of years of relentless touring, Cassia has had time to experiment and refine their approach. The result is an album that’s vibrant and layered, packed with infectious rhythms that make you want to dance but also with moments that invite introspection. everyone, outside feels like a direct reflection of where the band is right now—rooted in the energy of live shows but also embracing the freedom to experiment and expand their sonic palette.

The album kicks off with the title track, a statement of intent that’s as much about freedom as it is about connection to nature. It’s a song that encourages you to shed the trappings of the everyday and embrace a more authentic existence. It sets the tone for what’s to come—upbeat, hopeful, yet tinged with a sense of longing for something bigger. The track blends tropical rhythms with a soaring melody, creating the kind of track that feels like a burst of sunshine.

One of the strongest features of everyone, outside is Cassia’s ability to weave together diverse influences. While the tropical warmth of their earlier work still pulses through their sound, this album sees the band venturing into new territory. There are shades of indie-rock, afrobeat, and even jazz, with the band exploring new textures and sonic layers. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t shy away from sonic experimentation but keeps its ear to the ground, ensuring that every new sound is still rooted in the infectious hooks and rhythms that define Cassia’s sound.

Tracks like “friends” and “heat” feel like anthems of joy, with irresistible melodies that are designed for big crowds. You can almost picture the band playing these songs to thousands of fans, everyone singing along to the infectious choruses. There’s an undeniable sense of fun here, but it’s the deeper cuts like “miles out” and “forever”where Cassia really starts to show their growth. These tracks bring in a more introspective tone, with lyrics that explore personal relationships and self-realization. It’s a welcome change from the carefree, “danceable” moments, providing some emotional depth and contrast to the album’s more upbeat offerings.

The lyrical themes across everyone, outside touch on love, connection, and the search for authenticity. There’s a yearning for something more than the everyday grind, but also an embrace of the present moment, and that juxtaposition gives the record a timeless quality. On “western front,” for example, Cassia reflect on the idea of distance in relationships, balancing melancholy with a sense of optimism. These are the moments that show the band maturing both musically and emotionally, as they dig into more vulnerable, nuanced themes.

Despite the growth in sound and subject matter, everyone, outside never loses the essence of what made Cassia such an appealing band in the first place. The energy is infectious, and there’s a sense of joy that runs through the album. Even on the more introspective tracks, the band finds ways to keep things light, whether it’s through bright melodies, uplifting rhythms, or the sense that there’s always hope on the horizon.

In tracks like “awake” and “reframe,” the band explores more atmospheric and experimental soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from them. These are the songs where the band’s willingness to experiment truly shines, as they blend lush textures with electronic elements to create a sense of space and depth. It’s a bold move, and one that pays off, adding a fresh dimension to the album.

everyone, outside closes with the track “reframe,” a perfect summation of the album’s themes. It’s about growth, transformation, and the act of seeing things in a new light. The song encapsulates the band’s journey, both personal and musical, and it leaves the listener with a sense of optimism and possibility.

All in all, everyone, outside is a record that takes Cassia to new heights. It builds on the infectious energy of their previous work but adds layers of complexity and emotional depth that show the band isn’t afraid to evolve. It’s the kind of album that makes you want to throw open the windows and let the music fill the room, while also inviting quiet reflection. Cassia has created a record that feels like a celebration of both the joy of being alive and the importance of staying true to yourself. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve packed it full of melodies that will stay with you long after the album ends.

With everyone, outside, Cassia has firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the indie scene right now. It’s an album that effortlessly blends the feel-good vibes of their earlier work with the maturity and depth of a band that’s ready to take on the world. It’s a truly standout record, and if this album is any indication, Cassia is only just getting started.