ALBUM REVIEW: Signs Of Life – Asylums
ASYLUMS are a band that demands attention, and rightfully so. The quartet from Southend recorded their fourth studio album Signs Of Life in Rockfield Studio, the same place where QUEEN recorded Bohemian Rhapsody, so immediately there’s a lot to live up to. While ASYLUMS are always pretty unique, this latest release is pushing that even further by introducing string arrangements to their pop-rock sound. Not only that, but this album was recorded entirely live and in only eight days, while still attempting their most experimental sound yet. While the hype around this band is high, that only makes the standards higher.
Opening the album is Scatterbrain, an upbeat track with memorable riffs and indie rock-style vocals. Immediately this song is engaging and fun, and its catchy lyrics make it a strong start to the record. Understand The Psychology is next, and straight away its layered instrumentals are unique, with a key element of bass. Both the instruments and the vocals in the chorus are reminiscent of bands like WALLOWS, and the backing vocals give the song depth. Instant Coffee draws you in with its intense drums contradicting the more chilled-out, relaxed vocals. This is the first song where the strings are really noticeable, played by drummer Henry Tyler, and they give it a really beautiful orchestral sound that fits perfectly, elevating the sound. From just the first three songs, ASYLUMS have proven they’re a band worth listening to, and these extra creative elements separate them from everything else in the indie rock scene.
Something that Signs Of Life does really well is keep its listeners on their toes. Just when you think you’ve heard everything ASYLUMS have to offer, they hit you with songs like Crypto Klepto, a surrealist-style track with driving drums and chaotic layers of synths. As a much faster song, it’s one of the best on the album, and really keeps it interesting. It’s one where you’d have to really listen to get its full effect, but it’s worth it. Spat Out The Other Side is another high point, with a clear, solid bassline as its focus, and a good example of Branch’s distinctive voice and interesting lyrics. ASYLUMS can do slower songs too, and both Erase The Edges and Everybody Has A Space To Fill prove this, with ambient guitars accompanying the more soulful side of the album.
With some songs standing out as some of the best, it does make the more average ones all the more average, but this is rare. While a couple of the songs can be a tiny bit repetitive, in both the instrumentals and the lyrics, that’s really as far as the criticism can go.
Living up to its expectations, Signs Of Life might be ASYLUMS‘ best album yet. While the first half is probably the better half, almost every song is memorable and has the potential to really make an impact in their genre. Although experimentation and trying new things can always be a risk, in this case it has worked really well.
Rating: 8/10
Signs Of Life is set for release on October 28th via Cool Thing Records.
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