Live Review: Glass Animals

Potted palms decorate The Hi-Fi’s stage and a backdrop based on Glass Animals’ Zaba cover art further reflects the band’s peacock feather colour palette.

As soon as the adorably geeky foursome take the stage, the confidence they’ve gained since their debut shows in our country early last year is immediately noticeable. Black Mambo bewitches with Drew MacFarlane’s keyboard line played in a more syncopated fashion live. This track also closes with a guitar freakout thanks to frontman Dave Bayley. Bayley tears around the stage, frothing with enthusiasm.

Surprisingly, the band play their swoon-worthy breakout single Gooey fourth. Bayley jumps into the photography pit and there's a squeal from those who could potentially cop a feel that rivals Beatlemania volume. Those among us who know the correct lyrics are, "Right my little pooh bear,” (not ‘Ride...’, okay?) exchange knowing glances while we dance.

Glass Animals utilise a straight line formation tonight with drummer Joe Seaward stage left and guitarist/keyboardist MacFarlane stage right. They are also a lot more vibrant and energetic than when they last visited our shores, but between-song banter is kept to a minimum. This suits the onstage universe they create however, which is mystical and amorphous. Harmonies are always jizz-worthy and Bayley’s timbre is damn sexy. During songs, a meditative mode is created; it’s all about swaying reflection rather than chatting with your mates.

The encore features Glass Animals’ stunning take on Kanye West’s Love Lockdown (as premiered for triple j’s Like A Version) then Pools. As crowd members scream lyrics back at them – "I SMILE BECAUSE I WANT TO!" – the set comes to a blissful close.