There are albums that simply exist, and then there are albums that arrive. Ani Glass’s new record, “Phantasmagoria,” is on the horizon, promising a sprawling, introspective work that feels less like a collection of songs and more like a document of an intensely personal journey. Following up her self-produced debut “Mirores,” a record centered on movement and progress, Glass has not only maintained that forward momentum but has accelerated it, transforming a period of profound challenge into what is shaping up to be a breathtaking artistic statement. The result is a sound that feels both rooted in a deeply personal past and reaching toward a hopeful, yet-to-be-defined future. It’s the kind of music that has earned her praise in the past, with Pitchfork calling her work “Music for the end of the world, and the start of a new one.”
The sonic lineage of “Phantasmagoria” is a rich and diverse one, with Glass drawing on a wellspring of influences that have clearly shaped her craft. Her time with indiepop outfit The Pipettes, working under the legendary Martin Rushent, cemented a keen sense of pop sensibility. That foundation was further solidified as a member of Genie Queen, managed by OMD’s Andy McCluskey. But the true soul of this album seems to lie in the synthesized and atmospheric soundscapes of the 1980s, with the expansive textures of Vangelis woven into the fabric of the record. The influence of Arthur Russell, who inspired Glass to learn the cello, is also evident in the intricate and often melancholic string arrangements that give the album its emotional weight.
The catalyst for “Phantasmagoria” was a life-altering diagnosis. Just before the release of her debut album, Glass was diagnosed with a rare benign brain tumor. This news began a personal odyssey that has become the beating heart of this new work. Rather than retreat, Glass has channeled this experience into what is shaping up to be a lush and deeply concept-driven piece that explores her experiences with unflinching honesty. She weaves together a tapestry of languages and mediums—lyrics in Welsh, Cornish, and English, with British Sign Language integrated into her live performances—creating a truly unique and multilingual sonic world that is as expansive as her own artistic vision.
The early glimpse we’ve been given of this work is nothing short of fascinating pop. Ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and swirling synth pulses echo the best of early Goldfrapp or Enya, but this is all Ani Glass. Her sound is uniquely her own. The music suggests a masterful balancing act—futuristic in its textures, yet deeply personal in its emotional core. It’s an enticing preview that suggests an album which will reward repeated listens, each time revealing a new layer of its intricate design. If the single is any indication, “Phantasmagoria” promises to be more than just an album to be heard; it promises to be a world to be experienced, a captivating and ultimately hopeful journey through the beautiful and bewildering landscape of one artist’s soul. Get the single and pre-order the album at https://aniglass.bandcamp.com
CREDITS Written and recorded by Ani Glass | Ysgrifennwyd a recordiwyd gan Ani Glass Produced by Ani Glass & Iwan Morgan | Cynhyrchwyd gan Ani Glass & Iwan Morgan Mixed by Iwan Morgan | Cymysgwyd gan Iwan Morgan Mastered by Gethin John – Hafod Mastering | Mastro gan Gethin John – Hafod Mastering Director | Cyfarwyddwr – Lowri Palfrey Camera – Aled Victor Editor | Golygydd – Aled Victor Lighting | Goleuo – Aled Victor Post Production | Ôl-Gynhyrchu – Aled Victor Producer | Cynhyrchydd – Ani Glass Ani 1 – Ani Glass Ani 2 – Saran Morgan Locations Manager | Rheolwr Lleoliadau – Huw Roberts Script | Sgript – Lowri Palfrey & Ani Glass Art directior | Cyfarwyddwr celf – Ani Glass Styling | Steilio – Ani Glass © & ℗ Ani Glass & Recordiau Pwll Records
