Returning with their sophomore album, ‘Alien Human Emotions,’ Southend quartet Asylums serve up a cocktail of fuzzed-up rock and melancholy indie rock. Tied together by the band’s lyrically wise commentary on the disintegrating social and political landscape.
Through smart songwriting, they take on topics such as discontent towards social media (‘When We Wake Up’ and ‘Millennials’), using alcohol to cover up personal issues (‘Bottle Bank’), and the issue of becoming homeowners. Whereas sharp punk-fuelled cuts such as ‘Napalm Bubblegum’ and ‘Critical Mass’ complement Asylums‘ bold melody-driven highlights; ‘Alien Human Emotions,’ ‘Pause’ and ‘When We Wake Up’. Ultimately, Asylums ideally capture the mindset of a disillusioned youth.
With ‘Alien Human Emotions’ set to be released tomorrow, we grabbed a word with bassist Jazz Miell to talk music by the numbers. From the songs he wishes he’d written to places he’d like to play to those all-important tour items.
1 Artist I Couldn’t Live Without…
Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. He is one of the most prolific cult artists of all time, his approach to making and releasing records has had a huge impact on me and his music is a constant source of inspiration in my life.
2 People I Know, That Shaped My Passion For Music…
Everyone involved in our label and all members of Asylums. I’ve learnt so much from all of them in the 5 years we have been active, we share and discover music with each other on a weekly basis and always encourage one another to create something radical or unexpected in the studio.
3 Songs You Wish You’d Written…
The Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
Nico – These Days
Ludovico Einaudi – Berlin Song
4 Bands Everyone Should Hear…
Suspects
BAIT
The Horse Heads
Beckie Margaret
5 Songs You Love…
Parquet Courts – Almost Had To Start A Fight/In And Out Of Patience
Dream Wife – Fire
The Orielles – Henry’s Pocket
Daniel Blumberg – The Bomb
TT – I’ve Been Fine
6 Bands You’re Keen To Play With…
METZ
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
Jo Passed
No Age
Omni
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
7 Places You’d Love To Play…
Japan (Anywhere!)
Paradiso – Amsterdam
Troxy – London
Barrowlands – Glasgow
KEXP
SXSW
Southend Pier
8 Essential Tour Items…
33 1/3 Book (For research)
Headphones (To disappear briefly)
Any rider items you can steal (water/beer)
Face wipes (Not just for face)
Deodorant (Showers don’t always happen)
Pringles (they will withstand the entire tour.)
Travel pillow (perfect for nodding off in the van)
Good music (bad music)
9 Words To Describe Your Band…
Bipolar Manic Distortion. Unpredictable, Energetic, Unrelenting, Passionate, Agitpop, Artrock.
10 Favourite Albums Of All Time…
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Love – Forever Changes
Suede – Dog Man Star
Jeff Buckley – Grace
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
Thundercat – Drunk
Big Thief – Capacity
Beach Fossils – Somersault
Ulrika Spacek – Modern English Decoration
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer
‘Alien Human Emotions’ by Asylums is released on 6th July on Cool Thing Records.
