YOU might say it's been pretty non-stop for Southend post punk band Asylums, but frontman Luke Branch says they like it that way.

After a year of touring relentlessly around the UK, working with many other projects on their Cool Thing Records label, and beavering away on their brand new album (the title of which is currently under wraps), they are ready to let of some steam with their "end of year party" at Chinnerys, Southend, this Saturday night.

"This will be the first time we have played in Southend for a year" said Luke, "in fact it was actually December 2, 2016 we last played here.

"That day will also actually be the day we have our last recording session for the new album. We've started to mix parts and will continue mixing, it, but that is the last day we will record."

The album is set for release in the second quarter of 2018. Luke says, unlike the first album, the writing and recording of this one all took place in a relatively short space of time - around three months - and he thinks there is certainly a more emotive vibe which will come across because of it.

"We wanted to widen our framework musically. We didn't want to detract from what we do, but wanted to add to it. I think we have done that."

But back to the after party, the line up for which the band has handpicked their favourite acts to play.

"We've got Suspects, who of course we have been working with on our label, ACID (A Cause In Distress) who we really like, who'll be opening the night. They've worked really hard all year. They've got a sound which is almost Aphex Twin, with these stage loops. We've also got Darrah who is now doing his new thing, has a new band which is really cool, quite a departure from the Ends (Mike Darrah's former band). We respect the way he has done it. There is a good energy, a good spirit.

"We just picked who we like to listen to really so we would enjoy the line-up, whether we were playing or not!"

Luke said the rest of the year and next looks busy for Asylums and the Cool Thing Records label, rattling off a string of projects.

"I think we like to keep busy, keep moving forward, that way you don't spend too much time over thinking it, or taking it too seriously, you just get on and do it. Also, a big part of being creative is being inspired, and we are always inspired by who we work with".

Tickets for the gig at the venue in Marine Parade, are £7.70 from seetickets.com.

Doors open at 7:30pm with the first band on at 7:45pm.