The much-anticipated second album from Glass Animals, ‘How To Be A Human Being’ was released on Friday the 26th of August and defies second album syndrome. Delivering more of their diverse experimental-indie-electronic-trip-hop sound, the latest music from Glass Animals is exciting and catchy.
Glass Animals have not changed much since ‘Zaba’, if becoming slightly heavier. However, the new album is far from repetitive. The beauty of their unique sound is that it’s full of variation and experimentation. Much like Alt-J, their sound is so good that, as a listener, you aren’t bored.
‘Youth’ is a strong opener and immediately draws you in. This song is catchy and groovy, the singer’s voice is of a timbre I could listen to all day. ‘Season 2 Episode 3’ is a bit disjointed and leans more towards hip-hop.
‘Pork Soda’ was weird but clever. Quirky lyrics, much in the way of ‘Gooey’, were whacky and wonderful – typical of Glass Animals. ‘Mama’s Gun’ had a mystical and ethereal quality that was enticing and mysterious. ‘Can Shuga’ felt smooth and dark.
‘The Other Side of Paradise’ was sexy and sensual and was one of my favourite songs on the album. ‘Take A Slice’ was a lot heavier than what we’re used to from Glass Animals. The chorus here seemed surprising compared to the verse. ‘Poplar Street’ felt like Red Hot Chilli Peppers – the guitar in the introduction reminded me a lot of ‘Otherside’.
‘Agnes’ felt very different to the other songs on the album, sounding a bit like Lisa Mitchell. I’m not sure that I enjoyed this turn to pop. ‘Life Itself’ was the first track to be released on this album and is one of the best. It got me excited for the release and did justice to what was to come.
In all, the latest from Glass Animals has not disappointed. They have proven, once again, that they are a unique and diverse group of talented musicians.
Rating: ★★★★☆
connect:
author: Alexandra Milne