2016

How to Be a Human Being, the second album by Glass Animals, is a vivid sonic exploration that reflects the lives and stories of eclectic, fictional characters. Each song feels like a snapshot of a different personality, brought to life through a mix of electronic beats, playful synths, and unusual sound samples. The band pairs gritty, urban textures with lush, psychedelic layers, creating an album that’s as diverse in sound as the stories it tells. Tracks like "Life Itself" and "Season 2 Episode 3" layer funky basslines, eccentric rhythms, and playful lyrics, immersing listeners in a whimsical, almost surreal world. Each song represents one of the characters in the cover.

The album also takes on a more personal and human feel compared to their previous work, ZABA. Here, the production is sharper, the beats are heavier, and the sounds are more grounded, yet they still retain a touch of Glass Animals' signature dreaminess. With sounds like arcade game effects and audio from old TV shows, the album has a nostalgic and sometimes eccentric feel, pulling the listener into a space that’s both intimate and wildly imaginative. This mix of unique storytelling and complex production makes How to Be a Human Being an album that invites listeners to discover something new with every listen.

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