UK indie outfit Cassia share their self-produced second album Why You Lacking Energy? A collection of fun, energetic indie tracks that could bolster any festival tent over the summer, their jangly brand of guitar music sees them puppeteering the UK indie scene with expertise.
It's clear that the album process has been a labour of love, with each mix never being absolutely perfect until its radiance can be felt by everyone who listens – and boy, can we feeeeel that radiance. Oozing an inimitable nonchalance that flows throughout the album's entirety, Cassia sink into their silky guitar blend to create a body of work that not only comforts listeners, but provides a soundtrack for millennial life. Featuring the breezy singles "Motions", "Right There" and the recent bop "16-18 (Why You Lacking Energy?)", the album sees Rob Ellis, Lou Cotterill and Jake Leff delve into their dreams for the future and the past anxieties of the unknown.
Peppered within each track are elements that make the LP sound like it's been concocted especially for your own ears. With the bass grooves on "Colossal Happiness", the anthemic vocals on "Similar" and padded drum beats on "See Myself" evoking such a strong sense of joy and exuberance, did you really think your serotonin levels couldn't get any higher?
And while "Seasons" offers a hazy detour into laidback notions, "Dreams of my Past" hooks you straight back into a woozy world, returning you upstream with its rising choruses and tropical tones. On the piano-led "Boundless", the track takes us on a journey of reflection, before "Not Enough Time To Think" refuels us with a hit of caffeinated bliss.
While 2020's single "Drifting" rears its head towards the end of the album – it's appearance would have you thinking that it's a brand new single – the track remains a fresh cut, unafraid to be the older sibling who knows the deal. Still, "Drifting" remains to be a strong highlight, regardless of its new-found seniority.
Cassia's warmth and joy that they bring to the table with their sunny melodies and carefree acoustics are exactly what we need in times of a lull. Contributing to our lives with their mellifluous sounds and free-flowing fluidity, the trio's ability to cosy you up into a moment of calm is not only appreciated, but should be continually championed. And when music becomes that integral to your happiness, aren't we glad that it's bands like Cassia who know exactly how to provide the goods?
Why You Lacking Energy? is out now via BMG.
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