When I think of music that will truly bring you to another place, I think Glass Animals. In 2014, they released their debut album “Zaba" and it transported people to an amazonian land. The beats mixed with the soft vocals took you on a voyage through the rainforest. Now, Glass Animals has released their sophomore album titled “How To Be A Human Being."
The album starts with the single, "Life Itself." This track remains genuine to the sound they have so famously coined. It is full of tropical beats and repetitive rhythm that we all have grown to love from the Oxford group. This track is one of my favorites in particular because of the way it describes the “tinder” era that so many of us are in. With lines like, “I can't get a job so I live with my mom. I take her money but not quite enough,” it highlights the dangers of meeting those online.
Coming after "Life Itself" is "Youth," the second peak into their album. This song has the same steady beats like "Life Itself" but the words mean a little bit more. “Boy I want you to be happy. Free to run,get dizzy on caffeine. Funny friends that make you laugh and maybe you're just a little bit happy.” This track highlight well, youth. So many times the words, “Youth is wasted on the young” are uttered. And this song contradicts that statement. It shows that there’s nothing wrong with being young. Drink coffee, run, and laugh with your friends. It won’t be this way forever.
“I am a true romantic, free falling love addict”.
What I love about this band is that each track is a tale of happiness but in a cynical way. These stories lead me to google what each track meant specifically. In my research I found out that Dave Bayley (lead vocals) was on his way to medical school before making it big. With the brain on Bayley it’s evident why each track has a story to tell. In an interview, Bayley shared how stories he heard on the road inspired each track on the album. These stories of heartbreak, insanity, and childhood also sparked the inspiration for the albums cover art. Each person is different looking, ranging in age, size, and all with a story to tell.
“I miss him don't you blame me. That boy went stone cold crazy”.
When faced with the task of a second album Bayley began to make story boards for each person who inspired the audible stories on this album. He created collages that showcased everything from vivid colors to scenes from American Psycho. The collection of stories and antidotes picked up from the road showcases lyrics like, “Pineapples are in my head. Got nobody 'cos I’m brain dead” off of the track Pork Soda.
“Little voices buzzin poison. Backward noise from everything,Dr Swango says I'm psycho. Says they all from Neverland”.
My personal favorite tracks are Poplar St. (sounds like a Red Hot Chili Peppers song at the start) The Other Side of Paradise, and Take a Slice. I cannot rave about how great this album is enough. I encourage each person to listen to each song in depth and see what story is being told and try to match it to those on the album artwork. Glass Animlas have done it again with their sophomore album topping Zaba. Each track more personal and filled with experimental beats that make this band standout among others.
