When it comes to out of the box music, Glass Animals is good stepping stone for intrigued listeners. A psychedelic pop band from the UK, Glass Animals is a band composed of four childhood friends: Dave Bayley (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Tambourine), Drew MacFarlane (Guitar, Keyboard, Backing Vocals), Ed Irwin-Singer (Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Backing Vocals), and Joe Seaward (Drums). Created in 2010, they released their first studio album “Zaba” in 2014 and their second studio album “How to Be a Human Being” in 2016. Their music has become increasingly popular including features from Joey Bada$$ and Denzel Curry. Glass Animals is known for their complex music style and outstanding shows, making this the perfect band for someone who isn’t quite sure what their style is.
When it comes to the personality of the band, I would calm it a calm chaos. The music is the type that you would listen to while reclining the seat on your couch back, turning on the TV, and then watching the news about something super terrible that has just happened. Personally the music that they create give me a sense of honesty. It creates music out of the chaotic thoughts and ideas we have throughout our “normal” everyday lives. Their music sends your mind on a music trip because of its confusing lyrics and intense instrumentals. Overall, I would say the vibe is…
~the soundtrack that would play if you accidentally walked into a murder scene in a diner in the middle of the desert~
Glass Animals are known for their distinct music style and technicality. They typically use lots of electronic software for beats and vocal modulations. I would say their music has a range; this includes soft electronic, indie, and hip hop. For their songs that include a more soft electronic or indie vibe they include very distinctive aspects, such as: soft electronic bell sounds, vocals that remain soft but include lots of background vocals, a quiet consistent background beat, and oddly, lots of water/animal like sounds. For their more hip hop and heavy songs it includes instrumentals such as: Heavy electronic synth, background breathing/screaming vocals, intense lead vocals (not soft by any means), intense snare beats, and bass drops galore. Because of Glass Animal’s versatility, it’s very easy for people to enjoy their music, as it doesn’t apply to just one genre.
Now, because of their wide range is music styles, it can be hard to pick songs that fit the music you are looking for if you don’t already know them, so allow me to aid you.
- Pork Soda (How to Be a Human Being)– the song starts of with a distant low voice humming of their chorus “pineapples are in my head, got nobody cause I’m brain dead”, which may I say, is a very intriguing way to start a song. The rest of the song is has a very uplifting beat with lyrics that are actually pretty depressing. This creates a confusion of emotion and emits that ~chaotic~ energy I talked about previously. This is by far my favorite song of theirs and consider is a musical masterpiece to my ears.
https://open.spotify.com/track/5C5gvDZsl6d8bh89URfKHr?si=5sCyAtpAQ-axBwrwa6zvZw
- Lose Control (ft. Joey Bada$$)– This song is one of the more hip hop based songs. The song begins in a minor key and makes you as if your bouncing. The song includes distinctive snare and bass rhythms making it a super catchy song. The rappy in and of itself is very emotional and creates a creepy or /evil/ aspect to the song.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4uebxn8GU88Tvc4gLUNfKp?si=OTJjcM_kRR6ZKQEHLzuXLA
- Agnes (How to Be a Human Being)– This song is what you listen to when you need closure. It has such a warm, comforting, and motherly feeling. This is most likely due to the fact the beginning of the song starts off with a lullaby like chord progression that continues throughout the song. The song is very happy and contains may uplifting aspect whether that be a standard 4/4 beat or a continuous major melody. The ending is a cluster of instruments and is actually the conclusion of their second album, which is why it manages to give the listener the same feeling of a happy ending.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6prvUr8l3t7x5GY7heQb5w?si=i5-rdhFrQBesUtnHo0jYIA
- Gooey (ZABA)– This song is the standard lofi-soft indie song they are known for. The vocals throughout the song are very soft and airy like. The beat throughout it is very soft but consistent. Throughout you will hear the same progression of notes and chords, allowing the song to be extremely calm and relaxing to listen to. This song feels like someone is telling you a story in the best way, music.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1gk3FhAV07q9Jg77UxnVjX?si=POcTt533Ttyp7TViWM8qfQ
A psychedelic, rap, pop, indie world, is exactly why Glass Animals is so special. I hope that through this experience you may be more inclined to give them a look and see what they have to offer. I promise you won’t regret it!
Local Music Junkie 