Glass Animals at the Roundhouse, London, gig review: Magnetic stage presence and a robust setlist bewitches
Glass Animals are the manic pixie dream boy you knew at school, finally turning the impish charm in your direction.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Glass Animals are just beginning their UK tour for second album How to be a Human Being. First signed by Adele producer Paul Epworth, the indie rock outfit have found a dedicated legion in the two short years since their debut. The months spent touring America ahead of these UK dates have not drained the band’s stage presence but energised it.
This was a brilliant second album show. Despite the band’s continued need for a signature, defining song, every single track on the set list at the Roundhouse is stronger than the finales of most bands. The singles ‘Life Itself’ and ‘Youth’ open the show, and excitement breaks like a wave for third crowd pleaser ‘Season 2 Episode 3’. The rest of the night is peppered with big hitters from Zaba, and not a dud in earshot.
The audience revel in the atmosphere. Glass Animal’s on stage hubris is charming rather than irritating. A pineapple is lobbed from the stage. One would think the prickles hurt but the crowd shrieks with glee instead. That evening Glass Animals are the manic pixie dream boy you knew at school, finally turning the impish charm in your direction.
A descent into the masses during the encore produces more screams, yet one feels for the roadie left feeding the cable as frontman Dave Bayley burrows across the audience. This is all a prelude to their tongue in cheek Kanye West cover ‘Love Lockdown’.
It’s an adrenaline ride, and impressive for the precision strikes on the crowd. It’s a tight set with quality musicianship, the kind of live performance that drives you to listen to them on repeat in the days that follow.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments