There’s an amazing sense of rhythm in India that doesn’t exist anywhere else: Glass Animals

Glass Animals set the stage on fire at Mumbai’s Mahalakshmi Racecourse earlier this month (Saturday, March 8), marking their first-ever concert in the city. The British indie rock band brought an electrifying performance to a passionate Mumbai audience with hits including Heat Waves, Take A Slice, Gooey.
For frontman Dave Bayley, the experience was more than just another tour stop. “India has got amazing energy, amazing people, and such vibrant colors. The atmosphere feels electric and energizing, and I love it,” he told us before the concert. “I also think the music coming from this country is beautiful, it’s unique, and the melodies are gorgeous. There’s an amazing sense of rhythm here that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. I’d love to collaborate with someone here, I’d love to do something that was inspired by Indian music and Indian life.”
Ahead of their much-anticipated performance, drummer Joe Seaward sat down with Bombay Times to talk about the band’s sonic evolution, Indian musical influences, and his first impressions of Mumbai.

‘Mumbai is beautiful—so vibrant, busy, and colorful’
Visiting Mumbai for the first time, the band had already been captivated by the city's energy. “It’s beautiful! So vibrant, busy, and colorful. I’ve only been here for a few hours, but from what I’ve seen, it’s incredible. I stepped out of the hotel for a couple of hours last night after arriving at 11pm, but I haven’t explored much yet since I’m here talking to you! Ask me again in 12 hours; I’ll have more to say. But so far, I’m loving it! Indian culture is something we’re familiar with from afar - music, cricket, and of course, the food.”
‘I’ve been listening to Shakti and Diljit Dosanjh’
Has the band heard Indian artistes and soundtracks? “I’ve been listening to two artistes in particular. One is Shakt (featuring John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, V. Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan). They create this really cool, jazzy, intricate, and beautiful Indian fusion music with tablas, sitars, and other traditional instruments. It’s amazing.” He’s also been enjoying Diljit Dosanjh for a more modern sound. “I’m excited to hear more as I explore the city.” Despite his limited exposure to Bollywood music, Joe acknowledges its unique appeal. “I know Bollywood music is fun, energetic, vibrant, and often tied to big dance sequences.” When suggested that he should watch some Bollywood films while in India, he enthusiastically responds, “Yeah, that sounds great! Maybe I’ll start with some Shah Rukh Khan films?”
‘Dave actually has a pair of tablas in his studio’
Rhythm plays a crucial role in Glass Animals’ music, and Joe reveals an interesting connection to Indian percussion. “Dave actually has a pair of tablas in his studio! He got them when he visited India as a kid, and we’ve experimented with them. I’d love to learn more, anything that makes me a better musician is always exciting.” When told about the dhol, Joe shows keen interest. “Oh, is that the big drum you wear and play? I’d love to check that out! You’ll have to show me a video after this.”
‘Our song Life Itself features Indian influences, includes tabla and dhol rhythms’
Glass Animals is known for experimenting with different sounds and they have incorporated Indian music elements in their work too. “Our song Life Itself features Indian influences, it includes tabla and dhol rhythms. We’ve explored that sound before and really enjoyed it.” As for returning to India, Joe doesn’t hesitate. “Yes! We’d absolutely love to come back and do a more extensive tour in India.”