Live Review: Glass Animals @ John Cain Arena

A retro PC download window flashes up on the computer screen above the stage counting down the megabytes until showtime. As the 8-bit graphics load to one hundred per cent, the show begins and we enter the Glass Animals’ musical arcade, beginning with the title intro track Dreamland. 

The four-piece British electro-pop band take their places underneath bright neon lights that tie in with the vintage, virtual aesthetic meshed with palm trees and basketball hoops to create a hotel pool party vibe. 

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

They dive straight in with Life Itself and lead singer Dave Bayley lets loose with his crazy dance moves, swinging his arms and guitar around his waist, giving off infectious energy that never wavers. “We haven’t been here in a while, and I forgot how good the Australian crowds are. I won’t forget again,” says Bayley. The crowd cheers uncontrollably and sings along to every word at the top of their voices. 

Bayley can’t help but notice an audience member holding up a neon sign that reads ‘Show us your tatts,’ he politely declines the request, given they’re referring to the Australia-themed tattoos they promised to get on their arses to celebrate their 2020 Hottest 100 win for Heatwaves. 

Photo credit:Lucinda Goodwin

They continue with songs mainly from their last two albums, including their biggest hits Your Love (Déjà vu) and I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance). Bayley’s showmanship is undeniable and he connects with the audience by moving from side to side of the stage and even climbing out on top of the speakers until being warned they might break from all of his jumping. 

The energy levels and excitement continue but the pace changes slightly for a few older songs including Gooey (the only track they play from their debut album), which conjures up a much-needed summery tropical rainforest feeling. Bayley then grabs a pineapple and juggles it around in his hands as he walks across the stage. “I’m not allowed to throw them off the stage anymore,” he laughs, before continuing with Pork Soda, featuring the contagious lyric, “Pineapples are in my head.” 

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

We are flooded with instant nostalgia for their emotional track Youth, featuring home movies from the band’s childhood on the screen behind them to create an intimate and personal connection between them and their fans. They reminisce about their first tour in Melbourne (At the Ding Dong Lounge in 2014). “This venue is a lot bigger tonight,” Bayley exclaims looking across the arena that is packed with new and old fans and shows just how far they’ve come.

After a quick break, the computer screen visuals display a message that reads, ‘Do you want to install Glass Animal’s encore?’ The crowd cheers and the cursor clicks ‘Yes’ to commence the encore of their final two songs starting with Tokyo Drifting. 

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Bayley then gives an emotional speech before playing their biggest song Heatwaves. He tells us that when they released this song at the beginning of the pandemic, their album and tour had been postponed and he recalls doing a lot of sitting around on his sofa at home when something started happening with this song. 

“Australia has always done things first. When things were the worst, this song brought people so much joy and it feels so damn special to finally sing it live with you.” 

We sing one extra last chorus together as the crowd goes wild to share their love for the undeniably catchy anthem.