If you’re into musicians who can skillfully blend electronica with rhythm and blues, much like Chet Faker, Glass Animals may be an artist that fits your unique taste.
Faker, the artist whose claim to fame was a hit cover of “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, is well known for songs including “Drop the Game,” “1998” and “Gold.” Soulful vocals paired with otherworldly beats are Faker’s best qualities.
Glass Animals, whose first full-length album debuted in 2014, is still just background noise compared to other alternative artists running the show. Even though the band graced the stage at Bonnaroo 2015, it still hasn’t received the recognition I think it deserves.
The band’s smooth yet gritty vocals and experimental interludes match Faker’s vibe completely. I’m certain that if you dig Faker, you’ll dig Glass Animals. While Glass Animals may seem a bit more experimental and unconventional, if you step out of your comfort zone, you may find yourself a new favorite band.
One of the most popular tracks from the Glass Animals album "ZABA," “Pools” , encompasses static, jungle-inspired drumbeats and energetic verses that blend into a smooth, building chorus overtaken by xylophones.
“Gooey”, the band’s standout track, has an ethereal sound mixed with R&B vibes, guided by pristine beats and a mellow chorus: “My, my simple sir, this ain't gonna work / mind my wicked words and tipsy topsy slurs.”
“Intruxx” is a tippier, more experimental track with whimsical interludes, mimicking wind gusts mixed with futuristic synthesizers — a controlled chaos. It fades in and out of heavier beats and slowly builds into a static background, interspersing smooth vocals.
“Hazey” has a smooth R&B-heavy melody worth snapping along to that builds with a seductive falsetto paired with xylophones, as well as out-of-this-world electronic beats. This song includes lyrics such as “come back baby, don't you cry / don't you drain those big blue eyes / I've been crawling / come back baby, don't you cry / just you say the reason why / I can calm you.”
While both artists are unique in formatting and style, a few of Faker’s songs could be found on a Glass Animals record.
Faker’s hit, “Gold,” with a soft, taunting piano interlude and clap-sounding beats, could most definitely be spotted on a Glass Animals record, with the soulful vocals and the electronic feel.
“Blush,” another Faker track, opens with otherworldly falsetto that comes off as almost morphed and robotic, as if a supernatural being has taken over Faker. The more electronic-heavy, experimental vibes of the song are right up Glass Animals’ alley.
“Dead Body,” another song that channels Glass Animals' spirit, is a soulful, R&B track blended with futuristic synthesizers. Whether you’re into Faker or not, Glass Animals is definitely an artist worth listening to. You may be surprisingly taken by their unique musical style.