Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being (LP) - Zoetrope Picture Disc Vinyl

A 1LP zoetrope edition of Glass Animals second album ‘How To Be A Human Being’ – each side features unique illustrations that animate with the rotation of the vinyl.

Zoetrope reissue of Glass Animals critically acclaimed second album ‘How To Be A Human Being’ on zoetrope vinyl – following on from the unprecedented success of their latest album Dreamland & lead single ‘Heat Waves’ 59 week climb to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Each side has been masterfully designed by zoetrope specialist Drew Tetz using the original album artwork.

Glass Animals' 2016 album, "How To Be A Human Being," is nothing short of a tapestry of the human experience, woven together with threads of memories, emotions, and stories. The Oxford-based band has created an audacious narrative, taking listeners on a journey through a myriad of personalities and lives, each song portraying a distinct character with a rich backstory.

From the first track, "Life Itself," there's a palpable energy and intensity. The vibrant percussion, combined with ethereal synthesizers, transports listeners into an exotic landscape, only to ground them with the raw, emotive lyrics that portray a character battling inner demons and past traumas. Frontman Dave Bayley’s falsetto is both haunting and evocative, setting the tone for an album that seeks to burrow deep into the psyche of its subjects.

"The Youth" is an anthem for those lost in the tumultuous period between adolescence and adulthood. With its lush soundscapes and lyrics hinting at nostalgia, the song touches on the bittersweet feelings that come with the realization of growing up. The lyrics depict the struggles of forging an identity and making sense of a world that often seems overwhelming.

"Pork Soda" stands out as a testament to the band’s ability to marry quirky lyrics with infectious melodies. With its memorable chorus - “Pineapples are in my head” - and catchy beat, it's a song that's hard to forget once heard. It is an emblem of the album’s overarching theme: the complexities of the human mind and the unpredictable nature of emotions and memories.

Perhaps the most heart-rending track is "Agnes." It's an intimate reflection on loss, filled with poignant lyrics and an ethereal arrangement that amplifies the emotional weight of the song. There’s a cinematic quality to it, painting a vivid picture of a life and relationship gone too soon.

What sets "How To Be A Human Being" apart from other indie albums is its innovative concept. The band has shared that each song on the album was inspired by real people they've met and stories they've heard. This commitment to storytelling adds layers of depth and authenticity to the tracks, making each listen a new exploration.

The album's production is nothing short of exquisite. The band melds organic instruments with electronic elements seamlessly, creating a sound that's at once modern yet timeless. There's an adventurous spirit in their experimentation, from the Afrobeat influences in "Life Itself" to the dreamy, arcade-like sequences in "Season 2 Episode 3."

But the real beauty of "How To Be A Human Being" lies in its universality. While each track delves into the psyche of a different individual, there's a thread of shared humanity that runs through the album. Every listener, no matter their background, will find pieces of themselves in these characters and stories. The album questions, reflects, and ponders on what it means to be human, touching on themes of love, loss, hope, despair, and the intricate mosaic of memories that define us.

In closing, "How To Be A Human Being" is more than just an album—it's a sonic exploration of the human experience. Glass Animals have crafted a masterpiece that resonates with the soul, capturing the intricacies of our shared humanity. From its captivating melodies to its deep, narrative-driven lyrics, it's an album that beckons for repeated listens, revealing new layers and nuances each time. It's a testament to the band's growth and a shining example of what contemporary indie music can achieve when it delves deep into the realm of human emotions and stories.

What inspired "How To Be A Human Being"?

"How To Be A Human Being" was inspired by real-life people and stories. Dave Bayley, the lead vocalist of Glass Animals, mentioned in interviews that many of the lyrics and themes were born from snippets of conversations, interviews, and stories he'd heard while on tour. Each track on the album represents a different character, with a backstory crafted from these real-life snippets.

Who is the band behind "How To Be A Human Being"?

The band behind the album is Glass Animals, an English psychedelic pop band formed in Oxford in 2010. The members include Dave Bayley (lead vocals, guitar, tambourine), Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keyboard, backing vocals), and Joe Seaward (drums).

What is the significance of the song "Agnes" on the album?

"Agnes" is one of the most emotional and profound tracks on the album. Dave Bayley has mentioned in interviews that it's the hardest song for him to listen to and perform. The track is about the pain of seeing someone you love suffer and feeling helpless in the face of it. Its deep emotional resonance makes it a standout on the album.

How have the band incorporated different genres and influences in the album?

Glass Animals are known for their eclectic sound, blending genres seamlessly. In "How To Be A Human Being," they've incorporated elements from psychedelic pop, indie rock, trip-hop, and even Afrobeat (particularly noticeable in "Life Itself"). Their innovative production techniques, combined with their use of diverse instruments and electronic elements, give the album its unique and rich sonic texture.

What is the idea behind the album cover of "How To Be A Human Being"?

The album cover for "How To Be A Human Being" features a collage of diverse characters, each representing a song or story from the album. It visually echoes the central theme of the album – exploring different human experiences and stories. The eclectic and somewhat surreal nature of the cover art matches the band's sound and the narrative depth of the album.

Is "How To Be A Human Being" a concept album?

Yes, "How To Be A Human Being" is indeed a concept album. Each song on the album is crafted around individual characters, each with its own unique backstory and narrative. The inspiration for these characters and their stories came from snippets of real-life conversations, interviews, and tales that the band's lead vocalist, Dave Bayley, encountered while on tour. This thematic coherence and narrative structure give the album its conceptual framework, as it seeks to explore and express a diverse range of human experiences, emotions, and memories.

Is Glass Animals one guy?

No, Glass Animals is not just one person. Glass Animals is a band formed in Oxford in 2010, and it comprises four members:

Dave Bayley (lead vocals, guitar, tambourine)

Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals)

Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keyboard, backing vocals)

Joe Seaward (drums)

While Dave Bayley might be the most publicly recognized face of the band, given his role as the lead vocalist and frequent spokesperson in interviews, it's the collaboration among all four members that shapes the band's unique sound and artistic direction.

What is the second album of Glass Animals?

The second album of Glass Animals is "How To Be A Human Being," released in 2016. It followed their debut album "ZABA," which was released in 2014. "How To Be A Human Being" marked a departure from the sound of "ZABA," delving deeper into narrative-driven songs and showcasing the band's growth and evolution in terms of musical style and lyrical content.