Bands you should be listening to #6: Asylums
In this day and age, it is becoming worryingly more common
for talented guitar bands to slip under the radar as a variety of other genres
become increasingly more popular. Although the genre might appear to be on its
knees, there are a handful of bands currently flying the flag for guitar bands
up and down the country, however, not to the extent that was seen 10 or 20
years ago.
Even so, there are masses of truly fantastic bands around
that are acting as a saving grace for the genre. The kind of bands that you
stumble across on Spotify when at a loose end and wonder why they're not 10
times as popular as they are. The kind of bands that have you hooked after 30
seconds of one song. The kind of bands that make you want a book a ticket to
one of their shows imminently. A prime example being Southend four-piece-
Asylums. Consisting of Luke Branch on vocals and guitar, Jazz Miell on guitar,
Michael Webster on bass and Henry Tyler on drums, Asylums are responsible for
writing one of the best songs I have come across in the last 12 months- Joy In
A Small Wage.
Much to my delight, the lads have taken some time to have a
chat and answer a few questions on a variety of topics.
All four members have extensive music backgrounds, yet were
all involved in various musical projects prior to forming Asylums. Frontman
Luke has known all three other members for a number of years, making the
formation of the band somewhat easier.
"Me and Jazz used to go record shopping together, grab
coffee, see gigs and stuff. I've known Mike since I was a teenager in
bands."
He continued "Henry and I were involved in other
musical projects together in London a few years back".
Aiming for authenticity when writing is a main focus for the
band, who place high importance on expressing themselves in the studio, aiming
not to look at anything in particular for inspiration. Luke claims that himself
and the lads tend not to seek inspiration, but let it find them.
"All of us listen to so much varied music, it's hard to
isolate anything as a direct influence- it's not always a musical feature that
appeals, it could be some sleeve art or maybe something in an interview".
"Image is something that you build your life on I
guess, consciously or unconsciously. When I was young I led an isolated life, a
real bedroom dweller. So my records, books and magazines hugely impacted my
taste in clothes, my ethics and my musical drive; they helped me form an
identity."
Luke continued on this subject by stating that the sound the
band looks to achieve when recording is one that 'he can't find as a record
collector, the thing I want to find more of'. This is rather coincidental, as I
have a similar thought process when searching for new music to listen to, and
when stumbling across Asylums on Spotify, I certainly wanted to hear more.
Asylums tunes possess an element of uniqueness that I have
struggled to find in recent months. Notable qualities include an unbelievably
catchy sound and guitar riffs that any guitarist would be envious of. The
structure of their tracks is mightily impressive, the lyrics are simply superb,
and each song offers something completely different from a musical perspective.
"Each song is different. There is no over-arching
message. I never want to preach. The Jack Kerouac quote 'I have nothing to
offer but my own confusion' sum's up my perspective".
At this relatively early stages in their careers, the lads
from Essex try to live in the moment and enjoy every moment.
"I always love playing live, it's fun to play big
venues you have been to as a fan sometimes. Roundhouse, Shepherds Bush Empire
and Manchester Ritz all have good memories for me".
It might not be a bed of roses 100% of the time however.
"Jaz Coleman from Killing Joke shouted at me while I
was in his toilet backstage a few years ago, I'm still in therapy for
that!" Luke joked.
For any readers that are unfamiliar with Killing Joke, like
myself, I googled Jaz Coleman, and I'd probably shit myself if he shouted at
me.
Currently approaching the finishing line on their second
album, Asylums are also working on a number of campaigns for Indian Queen,
Beckie Margaret and Suspects for their very own record label- Cool Thing
Records.
"The plan for the future is to continue to run our
record label, mix and release the second album and enjoy learning new things
about the creative process and release cycle"
I for one, am certainly very excited for the second album,
and if it's half as good as previously released content, I'll be happy.
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