Matt Hallas and Elliott Fletcher aka Glass Caves, are back with a new, uplifting album, Back To Earth.

By Graeme Smith

I mentioned on Friday in my review of Adam + Attack By Fire that glam rock seems to be making a comeback, well you can add album opener In Style as more evidence of the trend. It’s a bold gambit, cosmic in proportions and with plenty of brightness. Optimism seems to be a theme of Glass Cave’s new album and we get that sense early on.

Otherside is an early, poppy highlight with beautifully romantic lyrics. Yes You Can merges rock with disco for an uplifting, encouraging and catchy moment. The single teased the record on these pages back in September 2024. Bad Weather too proves the band’s ability to write a relatable hook. The thought that has gone into this album’s singles is really quite impressive.

There are darker moments too. Better Life is contemplative, speaking of unwarranted envy and false happiness in its lyrics. Towards the end of the album, Making Waves ties together its themes together nicely.

“This album feels like a full circle moment,” says Hallas. “From busking on the streets every day to releasing Back To Earth with the same label we met ten years ago… it’s been one hell of a ride. We’ve grown together, fought for every step, and this record is the sound of all that belief paying off.”

Glass Caves are a fine example of a grassroots act done good. We’ve personally been following them since 2015, catching them on the stage of Fibbers on more than occasion. It’s beautiful to see how they have risen over the past decade.

Back To Earth is out now via Manchester-based label Scruff of the Neck Records, available to buy with merch on Glass Caves’ website. You can give it a listen below.