Southend’s finest – ASYLUMS – release their fourth album: ‘Signs of Lifeā, via Cool Thing Records).
The world has changed, Asylums have changedā¦but one thing remains valid, making music is still an essential craft and serves as creative medicine for many musicians and listeners alike.
āMaking āSigns of Lifeā was a total labour of love for us, itās been a rough few years for most people and for us the writing, rehearsing, arranging, recording and the design of this album has just been something positive to escape into, connect us to one another and the outside world and ultimately share creativity. We hope it brings a little joy to anyone who might hear it because it was a joy to makeā
Reflecting on how the record came about, producer Dave Eringa says of āSigns Of Lifeā:
āWhen Luke said he wanted to do an album at Rockfield in 8 days - all played live & to integrate big strings into their sound - it sounded so ridiculous I thought āletās do thisā! Only a band that can really play can do this kind of recording. No clicks, no tricks - all live off the floor, a few judicious overdubs, some amazing string arrangements from musical polymath Henry & a bizarre interruption from Countryfile - it was a pretty intense week and I couldnāt be prouder of them for what they achieved! Theyāve really taken themselves to the next level!ā
Pre-order āSigns Of Lifeā HERE

Summarising his feelings on the new record, Luke Branch concludes: āMusically speaking we tried to broaden the edges slightly on this album, quite frankly we didn't know if we would ever get to play it live so exploring the studio felt apt. We brought in strings, piano, organ and other sounds but still tried to stay true to our artistic values. I personally like to think of this album as our āRubber Soulā (The Beatles) or maybe even our āOut of Timeā (R.E.M.)ā
ASYLUMS – IN-STORE SHOWS
NOVEMBER
2 – Pie & Vinyl, Portsmouth @ 1pm –Ā TICKETS/DETAILS
2 – Vinilo, SouthamptonĀ –Ā TICKETS/DETAILS
3 – Vinilo, Bournemouth –Ā TICKETS/DETAILS
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Asylums are:
Luke Branch: Vocals / Guitar
Jazz Miell: Guitar
Michael Webster: Bass
Henry Tyler: Drums / Vocals
Shout out to these talented people…
Press Shot: Alistair UnderwoodĀ
Video:Ā Director ā JJ EringaĀ
Cover Illustrations:Ā Iron BrainĀ