As home grown rock star sounds go, Asylums are one of Britain’s finest.

This year they released their third album, ‘Genetic Cabaret’. Politically of our time and sonically of our souls, it’s one of 2020’s best, in such a historic year that it’s nearly impossible to make a mark on. Nearly. They have, anyway. The multi-tasking foursome also support their creative peers with a swathe of Cool Thing Records talent, highlighting the hive of exciters pulsing from Southend.

Asylums are a golden thread in TheZineUK’s ever-weaving tapestry. Can not let the year end without grabbing an interview. Massive thanks to Luke Branch for this and radiating raised rays of positivity. I wondered, if he had some favourite moments of 2020?

Luke : “When my son called me Dad for the first time, and the release of 'Genetic Cabaret'"

Both are beautiful moments, definitely so special and an uplifted way to face the near future. Are there any hopes or plans for that?

“We are sorting out the next album sessions and I have loads of new music so that is filling me with hope.”

At this point, I’m allowed to use the old saying, “that’s music to my ears”, right? Talking of which, what are the songs and albums that have warmed yours?

”I have been listening to loads of early T Rex, Eno, Lennon and Carole King, I also love the new Public Enemy album.”

…A good year for audible reflections, as well as visual essentials…

“I loved The Lighthouse, I watched The Devil and Daniel Johnston recently too and it was very powerful, I just scored a short film with Jennifer from Indian Queens for Estuary Festival 2021 and that had some amazing visuals by director Andrew Delaney.”

Have found the trailer for Estuary Festival and have added it to the 2021 wish-bucket list. For this year, what has inspired you, Luke?

“zeenagers”

Ah chuffed and uplifted by that!

Finally, what have you created in 2020 that lifts you?

Luke : “Friendships, art, debate and family.”

Proper. Thank you. Gonna round this interview with this video for ‘Platitudes’ cos it makes sense of following the band for the pleasure of rocking out! Fucking come with!

Further reading: Talking of zeenagers, I wasn’t kidding, Asylums are a vein of the story we’re telling. A few moments.

We had the seeds of TheZineUK cast and crew before the Brexit referendum and it has flavoured the tale. A few pages of Asylums headlining John Kennedy’s Remedy night. (Jean Genie released her own single, ‘Vaccine’ earlier this year). In Brighton, Summer 2016, previewing their debut album ‘Killer Brain Waves’ at The Great Escape Festival. A few weeks later at Camden Rocks Festival, then again at Tramlines Festival in Sheffield (by Caffy) and by our photographer, Duncan Stafford before the sold out album launch at The Lexington in London. Another of our photographers, Tarquin Clark, was at Y Not Festival on ‘Killer Brain Waves’ release day! Ha ha, Asylums gigs are never dull.

Asylums, front page news when TheZineUK goes up to (Chapter) 11 - image by Tarquin plus more pix from Leeds Festival in the same issue. A surreal night out in Shoreditch that September. Camden Rocks Festival 2017, A highlight of TheZineUK’s Reading Festival weekend. Thank goodness for streaming this year, just hoping for reschuled shows in 2020. In the mean time, Asylums are, of course, in the latest picture book issue.