"Like an Animal" is the debut single by The Glove, the short-lived but influential side project of Robert Smith (The Cure) and Steven Severin (Siouxsie and the Banshees). Released on August 12, 1983, as the lead single from their only album, Blue Sunshine, the track stands as a striking example of early '80s post-punk and gothic rock experimentation13.
Background and Personnel
The Glove was conceived during a tumultuous period for both Smith and Severin, as each navigated pressures and lineup changes in their main bands. The project was marked by a sense of creative freedom, late-night studio sessions, and a revolving cast of contributors34.
- Vocals: Jeanette Landray, a dancer and friend of the Banshees, provided the lead vocals, as contractual obligations prevented Smith from singing on most tracks13.
- Instruments: Robert Smith (guitar), Steven Severin (bass), Martin McCarrick (keyboards, strings), Ginny Hewes and Anne Stephenson (strings), and Andy Anderson (drums)1.
Musical Style and Themes
"Like an Animal" blends swirling, psychedelic guitars with a driving post-punk rhythm and Landray’s dramatic vocal delivery. The song’s gothic atmosphere is underpinned by lush strings and an urgent, danceable beat, reflecting the duo’s shared affinity for moody, cinematic soundscapes1.
Lyrics and Inspiration
The lyrics, written by Smith, are based on the true story of a woman who lost her sanity while living in a US tower block. The narrative is surreal and unsettling, with vivid images of fragility, madness, and transformation:
"One mile in the air that's where she lives
Her body looks so thin and pink and small
Dropping eggs from nervous shaking hands
And swallowing her fingers as they fall..."15
The song’s refrain, "like an animal," evokes a sense of primal instinct and psychological unraveling, while lines like "first I was a murderer then I was a saint / now I live on stolen time twist and run like paint" reinforce the theme of shifting identity and mental collapse5.
Release and Reception
While "Like an Animal" went largely unnoticed at the time—overshadowed by major hits from both The Cure and the Banshees—it has since become a cult favorite among post-punk and gothic rock fans14. The track was included in both 7" and 12" formats, with the latter featuring the extended "Club? What Club?" remix1. The 2006 deluxe reissue of Blue Sunshine brought renewed attention to the song and the Glove project.
Legacy
Though The Glove only released one album, "Like an Animal" endures as a testament to the creative synergy between Smith and Severin and remains a standout track in the post-punk canon13.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Glove |
| Song | Like an Animal |
| Album | Blue Sunshine (1983) |
| Release Date | 12 August 1983 |
| Genre | Post-punk, gothic rock, alternative rock |
| Vocals | Jeanette Landray |
| Writers | Robert Smith, Steven Severin |
| Producer(s) | Robert Smith, Steven Severin |
| Notable Themes | Madness, identity, psychological unraveling |
Summary
"Like an Animal" is a dark, atmospheric post-punk single that captures the experimental spirit of The Glove. With its haunting lyrics, lush instrumentation, and cult legacy, it remains a fascinating artifact from two icons of the alternative music scene1354.
