Listen: Glass Animals – “Pools”

Oxford quartet Glass Animals release a quirky new track from their upcoming debut album, ZABA, and have us instantly hooked.

Beginning with a slow-paced synth line, Afrobeat-style drums and rainforest sounds, the new single quickly presents itself as an off-beat cut of synth-pop that feels uniquely fresh.

You’d be forgiven for not realising the band hail from Oxford, since “Pools” is unlike anything remotely associated with that part of the country. With a pseudo-tropical vibe and an off-kilter goofy rhythm, “Pools” sounds almost extraterrestrial whilst retaining all the innate catchiness that makes a pop song instantly memorable and inherently likeable. It’s the perfect way to follow-up their break-through single, “Gooey”.

Recorded at producer Paul Epworth’s studio, “Pools” is released on 9 June via Wolf Tone/Caroline International. ZABA will be released on the same day.

Glass Animals play James Lavelle’s Meltdown Festival on 18 June, in the Production Arch of the Royal Festival Hall. The night, presented by Paul Epworth and Wolf Tone, features a yet to be announced DJ sets and live performances by some of the label’s artists.

Tour dates:

17 April – Sugar Factory, Amsterdam 29 April – Nouveau Casino, Paris 3 May – Liverpool Sound City, Liverpool 4 May – Stag & Dagger Festival, Glasgow 8 May – London Calling Festival, Amsterdam 9 May – The Great Escape (Venue: Coalition), Brighton 14 June – Buffalo Bar, Cardiff 16 June – The Lantern (Colston 2), Bristol 18 June – Meltdown Festival, London (Paul Epworth & Wolf Tone Presents…)

20 June – Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds

21 June – Ruby Lounge, Manchester