by sierra romano
Pop-rock trio As It Is have released their fourth studio album “I WENT TO HELL AND BACK” on February 4, 2022, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since! With a run time of 40 minutes, this 14-track album certainly has a lot to say, and it sounds like the band has finally reached their defining sound. Although it is not a concept album, it is still very cohesive. Vocalist Patty Walters, guitarist Ronnie Ish, and bassist Alistair Testo have touched on some deep topics related to mental health while combining classic pop punk with modern alternative sounds.
“IDGAF,” the first track, really sets the scene for the direction the album is going in. With “My mind’s been where no mind should go” as one of the opening lyrics, Walters is already being extremely honest. The next four tracks continue this theme of just laying your raw emotions out on the table and serve as a reminder that it is okay to not be okay. “ILY, HOW ARE YOU?” and “IDC, I CAN’T TAKE IT” (tracks 3 and 4) go hand in hand as a call and response. Track 3 is written from the perspective of a friend checking in on you. They are encouraging you to express your feelings and, most importantly, remind you that you are not alone. On the flip side, track 4 is a very upbeat and freeing song. It feels very cathartic.
Following the high energy, “I’D RATHER DIE” is the first song on the album that has a slower rhythm. A comedown from “IDC, I CAN’T TAKE IT,” this song is more of a realization that sometimes mental health can take a physical toll on you. “I gotta get up / I gotta get over it / I’m gonna give up / God I’m so over it” — The repetition of these lyrics drives the idea that dealing with any mental health related situation can be exhausting.
Single “I MISS 2003” appears as track 6 and it has the perfect amount of emo nostalgia. With references to bands such as New Found Glory and My Chemical Romance (and about 13 others), this song allows you to reminisce on simpler times, or more likely your teen years. This song was also released with a very energetic performance-based music video. Returning to the main theme of the album, “SICK AND TIRED” has a similar vibe to track 4. Here the band is unleashing the very relatable frustration of not feeling understood.
The second half of the album gets even darker. Tracks such as “I WANT TO SEE GOD,” “I HATE ME TOO,” and “I DIE 1000x” are so open and blunt. It is not easy to admit if you are not in a good headspace, but these songs do so effortlessly. “IN THREES” features vocals from Set It Off’s Cody Carson and artist JordyPurp. This song also mentions how destructive it is to let your emotions build up. “Pack up all my problems ‘til they sear inside my brain / Can’t tell pain from pleasure, but I know they’re not the same.” This song also stands out on the album as it has a colder and more edgy tone to it.
“I CAN’T FEEL A THING” is another track that hits pretty hard on this album. “It’s like I’m losing the fight / It’s like I’ve already died” are such defeating lyrics. The album closes with title track “I WENT TO HELL AND BACK.” A softer song with a beautiful instrumental, it just feels like a warm hug. After a track list as dark as this seems the album ends on a bittersweet, yet uplifting note. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and this song is the perfect representation of that. After all, the album is titled I WENT TO HELL AND BACK, meaning that no matter how dark a situation may seem, there is always hope and you will get through it.
I WENT TO HELL AND BACK is out now on all streaming platforms via Fearless Records and As It Is are currently on the "Welcome to Elsewhere Tour with Set It Off, Stand Atlantic, and No Love For The Middle Child.