Album Review: Glass Animals - ZABA

Not everyone would've heard of the UK's Glass Animals just yet, but by now, those people can certainly hear them coming – there was the whirlwind tour of Australia recently and a remarkable cover of Kanye's Love Lockdown for triple j. Then, of course, there's their own material, which has been gradually seeping into public consciousness over the last few months, only three astonishing singles so far – Psylla, Gooey and Pools and a debut EP.

So the scene is set for the debut album proper and for the band to live up to the promise as the “Alt-J of this year” comments with all accomplished to date. Produced by lead singer Dave Bayley, with executive production by Paul Epworth, the band's timely debut album is near-on the most flawless thing you'll hear this year. Its glistening production of dark, deep electronics, seamlessly slipping through a jungle of sounds, alternative R&B flavours and hip hop-esque beats is simply irresistible, providing a smorgasbord of flavours for tastemakers and audiences alike.

Perhaps the only arguable misstep is the omission of Psylla as the opener, Flip is here instead, occupying identical sonic-space but forgoing the upfront familiarity. That's minor nit-picking though, as the track does introduce the hypnotic repetition and spark of what can only be described as a feeling of sexual energy that ebbs and flows as the album progresses. While ZABA is stuffed full of 11 clanky stunners, it's the way it plays out as a whole that's the true triumph – utterly killer.