Glass Animals and I have something in common. We both love Kansas City. As a KC native, I’m always thrilled when artists share a passion for my home. Lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Dave Bayley, has been known to describe Kansas City as a “Home away from home.” In 2014 the band sent a local radio station their demo and listeners instantly loved their single “Psylla”. It would be the beginning of a beautiful love affair between Glass Animals and Kansas City. My hometown wasn’t the only place catching peanut butter vibes though. The British quartet was about to gain popularity nationwide.
The four-piece psychedelic band hails from Oxford, England and met in their early teens. They began making music together in 2010 but when things started gaining traction, they chose to put things on hold and focus on school. Dave Bayley, a lyrical genius, received a degree in neuroscience which he used to find connections and understand people. These skills came together to help him develop beautifully enigmatic and sometimes haunting lyrics. After a couple of years off from music, the band returned and gained the attention of producer Paul Epworth who has worked with the likes of Florence + the Machine and Adele. They were soon signed to his label Wolf Tone Records and got to work on their new project.
Glass Animals’ first full-length album, “Zaba”, was released in 2014 following their hit single, “Gooey”. It offers deep layers of moody tones and sultry rhythms. I had the pleasure of seeing them on the “Zaba” tour multiple times including a basement set deep in the suburbs of Kansas. The energy in that hot and sweaty basement was unparalleled. With dreamy light effects and jungle-themed stage props, the tour was nothing short of fantastical.
Not only are Glass Animals known for their introspective music but their flair for playful humor. The band has taken on the symbol of the pineapple after using them onstage. Their hit single “Pork Soda” exclaims “Pineapples are in my head!” The fruit even made it onto the list of banned items at the Reading and Leads festival in 2017 because of their fans bringing hundreds to shows.
In 2016 they came out with their second critically acclaimed album, “How to Be a Human Being”. This record was inspired by real-life recordings and conversations with people the band met and connected with on the road. Following the release, they went on their biggest and most eccentric tour yet. Kansas City became the largest non-festival show on that tour where upwards of 15,000 pineapple heads came together and danced to the groovy beats. The production for this tour had fans beaming. As a disco ball enthusiast, I was delighted when they unleashed a massive pineapple disco ball on stage.
There is a huge sense of camaraderie with the band. It’s not hard to see and feel the connection between the members when they’re on stage together. Besides Dave Bayley and his wicked vocals, there’s guitarist/ keyboardist Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer as the bassist and keyboardist, and Joe Seaward on drums. At the height of the band’s success in 2018 Joe was hit by a truck in Germany which brought all music to a speeding halt. The drummer suffered a fractured skull injury and had to re-learn how to do every day tasks like walk, talk, and eventually drum. The band stuck together through it all with their fans unwavering support behind them.
After the two year hiatus, the boys dropped an absolute banger, “Tokyo Drifting” featuring Denzel Curry. Just like that, they were back and fans were losing it. The single quickly climbed to the top of music charts. My favorite lyric in the new song occurs when Dave Bayley proclaims, “Wavey Davey’s on Fire!” On fire he absolutely is. After the announcement that they’d be playing at Okeechobee and Buku Music Festival, fans knew a tour was imminent.
Glass Animals announced their “Deja Vu” tour will hit 12 cities in North America and pay homage to their humble beginnings in smaller venues. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to this tour, count your blessings. It sold out in less than two minutes everywhere. Don’t fear! They assure fans that more touring is on the horizon and they’re heading to Red Rocks Amphitheater June 16th. As it sold out so quickly, they opened up a second night on June 17th and tickets go on sale February 21st! That will be one show you won’t want to miss!
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*Featured Image of Glass Animals Via Soundtoys*
