8/10

When Oxford's Glass Animals released their much-hyped debut album 'ZABA' in 2014, it almost felt like they had arrived long before their time. With a fresh and futuristic sound, the group wouldn't reach the renowned acclaim they are now known for until their 2016 LP 'How To Be A Human Being', which catapulted them to the household name that they are today. But after releasing a string of teaser singles over the last year, the band are now finally ready to unveil their long-awaited third full-length 'Dreamland', a record that sees them take a bold leap forward.

The one thing that is most notable about this and their previous collection is just how accessible and radio-friendly they have made their sound. While 'How To Be A Human Being' had a fair few commercially-angled offerings, 'Dreamland' sees them sand down the edges of their formative direction and deliver something that flows just a little bit easier throughout. While it doesn't have that same instant attraction as their previous work, this definitely feels more like an album that sees them slip more easily into their smooth and breezy aesthetic, giving it a more levelled feel from start to finish.

Glass Animals have always set themselves as an enigma on the new music scene, and this release never looks to question that guise. With its stripped back flow and incredibly rich soundscapes, 'Dreamland' feels like the sound they will be pursuing for a number of albums yet.