Outsideness Unveil Sophomore Album "...Then After?"

Unexpected duo Outsideness, consisting of enigmatic artist Freidrich$ and genre-fluid artist Azalias have recently released their sophomore, 10-track album, ...Then After?, building on the sound they began to curate on their first album, while continuing to push boundaries. Experimental and unconventional, yet commercially appealing, Outsideness are steadily carving a lane of their own rooted in melody and emotion.

While Freidrich$ cultivates an air of mystery surrounding himself as an artist, Azalias brings a vibrant energy to Outsideness. Comfortably navigating through pop, hip-hop, UK drill, teen pop-rap, and occasional pop-rock, her ambitions are clear—she aims for global recognition, but isn't merely chasing a commercial sound. Their first album laid the groundwork for Outsideness, pairing Azalias expansive vocals with Freidrich$'s stripped-down, offbeat production and their new offering sees the duo pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. The songs are richer and more adventurous while retaining the unpredictable charm that defines Outsideness. This album seamlessly transitions from intimate and fragile moments to grand, expansive soundscapes without feeling forced.

This range is evident right from the start. “Alright” opens the album with a melodic touch that invites listeners in, while “Freedom” and “Even to Me” showcase the project's ability to shift between emotional pop instincts and more experimental production choices. “Container” adds another layer before the album hits one of its most striking moments with “Haunt.”

“Haunt” stands out as the track that encapsulates what makes, ...Then After?, as a whole resonate. There’s an immediate tension from the first note, while the interplay between the vocalists and light acoustic production immediately grab the listeners attention. The song evolves gradually, introducing various textures and rhythmic ideas without overshadowing the central performance. What I love most about “Haunt” is that its experimentation feels purposeful rather than arbitrary while the unconventional production choices feel natural rather than distracting. This track rewards repeat listens, revealing new details as the songs essence settles in.

The rest of the album continues Outsideness' adventurous approach to their music. “Got Me” embraces the more atmospheric aspects of the project, while “La Jetee” explores a more experimental vibe. “Dance” injects a new energy, and “Water”, the album's longest track, allows for additional exploration. “Hold” wraps things up fittingly, reflecting an album that has consistently refused to stay in one place.

Throughout the album, Elements of electronic, R&B, rock, pop, and dance are woven throughout, with each flavor serving as ingredients in groups signature sauce. Azalias vocals play a crucial role in the overall dynamic, providing a heartfelt and human touch, effortlessly transitioning from conversational closeness to powerful delivery when the arrangement calls for it. This flexibility allows Freidrich$ to experiment without losing emotional depth. No matter how unconventional the production gets, there’s always a something relatable and accessible at the heart of these songs.

...Then After? doesn’t come across as overly polished and the rough edges add to its charm. In a musical landscape where much contemporary pop fits neatly into established categories, Outsideness seeks to explore what happens when those categories lose their relevance. There are melodies, hooks, and moments that can simply be enjoyed without delving into their construction.

Ultimately, ...Then After? feels like an expansion of the Outsideness identity rather than a departure from its roots. Freidrich$ and Azalias have taken the foundation of their first record and granted themselves more space to explore it. For me, the greatest compliment I can give ...Then After? is that it piques my curiosity about where Outsideness will go next. The album as a whole suggests that this collaboration still has untapped potential. There’s ample room for these two artists to inspire one another, and that sense of possibility is one of the album's most appealing aspects.