Glass Animals are Life Itself

Glass Animals are by no means new on the scene, having known each other since they were thirteen, and their self titled album was released in 2013.

Every intricate sound included in their songs allows you a scope of understanding as to why the band are named as such. The melodies are slightly trance-like, but with an electronic edge – hence why I make the link between their music and their name (not that I know where the band name actually originated from, but this association came naturally to me). Their sound is original and quirky – think Wild Beasts with more bass. They are completely original.

Their most recent album ‘How To Be A Human Being’, released this summer, is full of raw musical talent and feels unrefined with a fresh style. The first song, ‘Life Itself’ is one I’m sure you’ll recognise, and was released as a single before the rest of the album.

The album is full of whispers and dark harmonies whilst still feeling uplifting, peppered with an artistic array of sounds which put the listener in a sort of musical stupor. In a way, it is reductive for me to even try and write this article; defining Glass Animals feels like defeating what they are trying to do with their music, which is unconstrained and careless. How can a band which has computer sounds in one song and flutes in another be classified? Dave Bayley, the lead vocalist, has an incredible range, able to switch from a somewhat eerie high pitch in songs like ‘Gooey’ to deep and heavy vocals in ‘Pork Soda’.

They begin their UK tour in March 2017, so there’s plenty of time to listen to not only ‘How To Be A Human Being’, but their other albums too. Their music is brooding and earthy, and leads you to anticipate what boundaries they could possibly break next.

Post by Jess Williamson