If enticed by the notion of getting lost in a sea of the sounds of the psychedelic and hypnotic, then British band, Glass Animals latest single ‘Your Love (Deja Vu)’ is the answer to those demands. It comes as no surprise that the latest release of the bands sees them take yet another direction musically, developing their sound and allowing them to carve out an identity multifaceted in nature. Such is the nature of a true alternative pop act, as the group has never shone away from the challenges and obscurities from branching out, nor have they shied away from associating their brand with a style of music that is purely extraterrestrial and unorthodox in nature. Much of that is the instant beauty of the latest single, melding together sounds of the unknown to craft a track that presents itself in the raw absurdity that Glass Animals intrinsically relishes experimenting with.
The production is the selling point of the track, with the array of synths fluttering bringing the track to life as the constantly shifting instrumental bursts with colour. The melodic, pulsating synth line that eerily occupies the pre-chorus only to release the tension on the chorus, transforming into fluttering flute-like synth line, is the basis in determining the complex duality of the track. Utilising synth work in such a way that allows for both the creation of a sound that is hauntingly hypnotic and controlled in a way that builds tension and suspense through a predictable yet somehow unorthodox manner demonstrates the talents of the act. This is the main contributor to the psychedelic atmosphere, as the synth line excels in embodying hazy and druggy experience. Come the chorus where the controlled build-up is set free to explode into a colourful array that is a fluttering, flute-like synth line. The pure zaniness and seemingly untamed sound is the perfect release and return to the crazed reality of life required to counteract the build-up.
The vocals on the track tend to deviate from the jovial and colourful sounds that thrive within elements of production. Lead singer Dave Bayley takes the reigns, with his ghostly and almost haunting vocal style. The dark tones represented in the vocals are drenched in vocal synthesisers and effects that emulate those same druggy and hazy qualities that shine in the pre-chorus, allowing for the vocals to both blend and add to the atmosphere of the track at times, whilst contrasting with the more upbeat and explosive elements. Given the modifications to the vocal line, Glass Animals have manufactured and modified a natural sound source in such a way that it manages to perfectly blend in with the intoxicating atmosphere of the production.
Lyrically, the track unravels the puzzling and unhealthy nature of yearning for a relationship despite possessing the knowledge of how detrimental the aforementioned are. A universally experienced and understood theme, Glass Animals delve into the need for love whilst being all too aware of the pain and only momentary bliss that proceeds the inescapable pain. The track’s lyrics are general and broad enough to allow for maximum connectivity from listeners on a universal scale, whilst having enough relative substance to both demonstrate the writing talents of Bayley and have sufficient detail in order to detail and develop the narrative. Such relatable and seemingly personal lyrics are out of the scope of a traditional Glass Animals track and seems to be a step of progression in an attempt to not only expand musical styles and sounds but also lyrical content. As hinted at, it would be from the influence of outer presence and collaborators that assisted in the shift from the obscure lyrics that perfectly matched the outward thinking and cutting edge sounds of past material to the now personal and artistically derivative speech presented on this track.
Within the constraints of a single track that spans a mere 3 minutes and 54 seconds, Glass Animals manage to delve into a whole new world of material and prove their ability to completely diversify their sound, whilst maintaining their core quirks and trademarks. The blend of sounds, including past work of their own, and recent influences have created this masterpiece of psychedelic alternative pop, the alternative pop music so desperately needs more of. Most impressive is the wealth of attention devoted to creating a song that so easily remains widely accessible and relatable whilst just as effortlessly being able to lose its own meaning and immersing listeners in the sea of rich and flavourful production.
About Author
