EP Review: Cassia - Magnifier

Self-described as ‘tropical vibes but not tropical guys’, the Macclesfield trio, Cassia, have released a new summery EP, Magnifier. Following on from their 2019 album Replica, the EP is a welcome instalment of polo-shirt and sandals, poolside indie, best compared to the likes of Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club. Magnifier is a four-track EP saturated with sun, offering the perfect heatwave soundtrack.

The EP opens with ‘Slow’, which earned a prestigious spot as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. Despite its optimistic sound, the track is a yearning for pre-pandemic life and aptly describes a life in standstill, spent reminiscing and daydreaming. ‘Right There’ is a fun and catchy track, accompanied by a Wes Anderson-esque video in which the band share their lockdown alter-egos.

Something which becomes apparent throughout Magnifier, is Cassia’s ability to sing about longing, and discomfort to upbeat tunes, transforming loneliness and heartbreak into summer anthems; ‘Right There’ is no exception to this. The latter half of Magnifier takes on a more tranquil tone whilst still encapsulating the summery haze that dominates the first half of the EP. ‘Vitamins’ is a lovesick offering. The song tackles feelings of reliance and necessity in long-distance relationship, when scheduled interactions become like a daily vitamin that provide an instant mood boost.

Cassia also deal with worries and disparities that exist within these relationships. A sadder tone emerges in the final track ‘Gotta Get Through Til Monday’, where American-Folk influences become more obvious. Although there is sadness in this song, there is also something encouraging about its lyrics; it is a song about perseverance. On their Instagram, the band claim ‘this song hammers home the importance of self-appreciation’ in response to feeling defeated. It is a heartfelt ending to the EP, an honest contemplation on the difficulties of coping through periods of low self-confidence and an assertion that these feelings are always fixable.

In addition to their place on the line-ups for both Bingley Weekender and Neighbourhood Weekender, Cassia are set to embark on a UK tour in October followed by a European tour beginning in November. Youthful, catchy and thoughtful - the project yearns for better days, while providing the perfect soundtrack for the summer.

Words: Eli Evans