Roo AOTD #85 Glass Animals

By Daniel Karasek | April 28, 2025

All aboard the hype train for Bonnaroo 2025! Only 45 days until we are all on the Farm again, can you believe it? It’s coming up fast and we can’t wait to be dancing with all of you at Bonnaroo! Today’s Artist of the Day is the one and only Glass Animals. Learn more about the artist below. Don’t forget to check out all of our artist spotlights! Thank you for reading these posts!

Artist Biography

Glass Animals have always seemed like they were destined to blur the lines between genres, and in the best way possible. Formed in Oxford in 2010, this English indie rock band took the world by surprise with their eclectic fusion of synth-pop, R&B, hip-hop, and indie rock. At the core of their sound is Dave Bayley, the mastermind behind the band’s infectious melodies, and the vocals that somehow manage to be both haunting and seductive. Joining him in this sonic experiment are Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, and Joe Seaward, who round out the band with their seamless contributions.

The group’s journey began with Zaba (2014), a debut that introduced the world to their signature blend of lush synths and atmospheric sounds. Songs like “Gooey” and “Pools” had a strange hypnotic quality that felt simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, a unique soundscape that quickly earned Glass Animals a loyal following. But their real breakthrough came with How to Be a Human Being (2016), where they expanded their musical palette and dug deeper into experimental territory. The album’s tracks were filled with introspective themes, capturing personal narratives alongside infectious beats that stuck with you long after the song ended.

Then came Dreamland (2020), a record that marked a natural evolution for the band. It’s an album of reflection, where Glass Animals looked inward and brought forth a collection of tracks that felt deeply personal. With “Heat Waves” becoming a global anthem, their ability to marry introspective, meaningful lyrics with catchy melodies became undeniable. It was a track that, like the best songs, could be the soundtrack to a moment in time, capturing both the personal and universal. Dreamland showcased their maturity, but never lost that distinct Glass Animals magic—an ability to create something that’s both unique and accessible.

Throughout their career, Glass Animals have cemented their place in the indie music scene, becoming known for their innovative approach and unwavering ability to experiment with new sounds. They aren’t just another indie band—they are sonic explorers who consistently push boundaries, evolve, and invite their listeners to go on that journey with them.