Glass Animals, a four-piece band from Oxford, are the epitome of creativity when it comes to showcasing their music. On the 15th October they hosted a one-off audiovisual experience – a live in the internet concert, said to be the first of its kind. The band is made up of frontman Dave Bayley, Edmund Irwin-Singer on bass, Joe Seaward on drums and Drew Macfarlane on keys. Their music is famous for its ability to transport you to a completely new world. The band’s third album ‘Dreamland’ lives up to this reputation accordingly. However, this album’s tour was abruptly cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic so they decided to take their tour to the internet. A bold and wildly creative move.
Technical difficulties were expected when such a large capacity is watching one stream, but aside from the freezing and the occasional black screen the night successfully redefined the concert space. The holographic backscreen full of objects mentioned in each album which consumed the four artists was positively a vivid treat for the eyes.
The unexpected surprise of rising star Arlo Parks in a new take on a song was one which was very well received by fans. The concert had different sets, something which is virtually unobtainable in a in person event.
After the titular song of album Dreamland, Dave said frankly “At least you don’t have someone tall standing in front of you.” A touching sentiment for avid concertgoers who are often in this niche predicament.
The use of the internet for a concert is something that is unheard of – “crazy” in Dave’s words, but the band are never ones to shy away from a challenge. Their continued performance during a storm at America’s famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre is proof of this unrelenting dedication they have to their art.
Their debut album Zaba was full of jungle sounds and weird creatures on the album artwork which was translated in the live concert seamlessly. They chose to perform a song from that particular album in a jungle esque stage filled with plants.
The band’s beach-like colourful tones make for excellent viewing. The movement from all band members adds to this feel of euphoria which is typical of a regular Glass Animals’ concert. Camera moves make the entire thing feel incredibly realistic – like a normal concert where you are trying to take in as much as the surrounding you can.
As someone who is a nervous concertgoer the whole experience was accessible. Granted it is not the same atmosphere of having a beer spilled on you while dancing your heart out to your favourite song live, but the experience was certainly enjoyable. The band work incredibly well together; hailing from their school days makes for a strong, and it translates in every performance.
The crowd was able to join Zoom-style in one song with the background displaying the well-known rectangle shapes which displayed fans in their homes. Another creative touch.
The show was certainly different and was a lot cheaper than a standard concert ticket. Plus you could watch it from the comfort of your own home. Dave ended the show saying: “Missing you, love you,” and fans across the world felt the same way about the band too.
