Concrete Playground meets Glass Owls

Howick alternative-pop-rock band Glass Owls released their debut full-length album Out From The Darkness in June this year. Three years in the works, the album was brought to life at Revolver Studios in Waiuku with esteemed producer/engineer Djeisan Suskov behind the knobs and buttons. The result is an honest collection of tunes that ignite an unexplainable kind of joy at every tap of the play button. The band currently writes as the core duo of Anthony Metcalf and Tomas Nelson, however expands to a four-piece in the studio and in the flesh. We talked to the main ones.

What's the story behind the title Out From The Darkness?

OFTD comes from the title track, which is basically about dying and everything being OK. Or at least everything you left behind. It's meant to be an ode to worldly problems, keeping things in perspective when it feels like there's no where else to turn. It's a theme which permeates a number of the tracks on the record so we decided it was a fitting title.

How do you work behind the scenes? Do each of you take on specific aspects of the songwriting?

We share the role of writing, Anthony or I will write a song and take it to each other in what ever stage it may be at and then work together from there to create something we both can be proud of.

Do you think the album format is still relevant or would it be more beneficial for acts to simply release a series of singles?

It's still relevant for the genre that we are in, the people who listen to our music are more inclined to try listen to or enjoy a whole album through. Now that technology gives people a choice to skip to their favourite tracks though I think it's a good idea to initially cast out a few singles then follow up with an album so that it caters to both types of listeners.

You recently made the journey to The Great Escape in the UK. How was that? Any highlights?

The biggest highlight would be playing at Koko, without a doubt. It was an amazing venue to play because of the sheer size and professional efficiencies. Having a monitor tech is not a luxury New Zealand bands will be used to, but it completely changes your perspective on stage because everything sounds amazing.

Do you plan to put a lot of focus into the UK and Europe?

It's definitely a market worth exploring because of the density of certain cultures. It's also a place where being from NZ is a bit of a novelty, and I feel like the perspective from the audience would be much like if a band from Europe came here, it's just a bit more exciting than New Zealanders playing to New Zealanders.

You have some great music videos under your belt. Do you think they're still a relevant art form?

People receive music in different ways I think it's still relevant because it provides context to a song and stickability in peoples minds. Though you'd probably find people less inclined to watch music TV nowadays because theirs just better things on it seems reserved for bowling alleys and bars to play something like Juice all day. They are so accessible on the internet but people only keep watching if there's something interesting, funny or sexy - and I think we might rely on the first two more than the latter.

What has been your favourite local album release or artist so far in 2014?

Either Popstrangers - Fortuna or Tiny Ruins - Brightly Painted One.