ALBUM REVIEW: Did You Ask To Be Set Free? – As Everything Unfolds
Buckinghamshire quartet AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS have come a long way since the release of their debut Within Each Lies The Other five years ago. Hailing from High Wycombe, the group successfully blend a multitude of varying genres in their third LP Did You Ask To Be Set Free?, shifting away from the metalcore sound prominent in their first two records; perhaps their most experimental yet heart-breaking to date.
Lyrically, the album’s content centres around the mental state of vocalist Charlie Rolfe and the rest of the band following the tragic death of former bandmate Jamie Gowers mid-tour almost two years ago. Rolfe confronts the undeniable pain and anguish head on in Did You Ask To Be Set Free?, opting for more of a healthy release, creating a fictional character to latch onto in everyday life inspired by video games, movies and albums she is passionate about. However, it was after being recommended to read Rick Rubin‘s The Creative Act, which really sent Rolfe‘s brain into overdrive, ready to write again.
Recorded in a tight three week timescale back in February 2025, AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS spent two years writing Did You Ask To Be Set Free?, giving the record the TLC it rightly deserved. “It’s going to be shit and it’s going to be horrible, but running away from it felt like the wrong thing to do. This is the hardest record we will ever have to do – how can we flip it into something we’re proud of, and give it the longevity and legacy it deserves?”.
Opener Denial introduces Did You Ask To Be Set Free? perfectly, symbolising someone oblivious to their own emotional destructiveness. There is such urgency and anguish in Rolfe‘s voice as she tries to sympathise with the perpetrator: “And I know the darkness you’re running from / It’s all on the inside / Can you feel the impact you’re having on? / Us all in your selfish spite.” Gasoline is up next, which is the gritty pinnacle of the release. It is inevitably the most infectious and notable of the 12 tracks, featuring a fiery almost chart ready hook of a chorus which you can’t possibly escape from.
By the time you get to Find Another Way, there seems to be a directional shift. Slowing down the tempo, this track is more reminiscent of a power ballad whilst still managing to encapsulate all of what AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS have evolved into, it is unbelievably emotional and powerful. Cut The Lies is 2 minutes and 43 seconds of absolute perfection, almost exuding outer catharsism. It is bouncy and exhilarating at every note similar to that of DEADMAU5‘s Professional Griefers, making you excited for what’s coming next. This song would be incredible in a live setting.
Set In Flow is a killer track, opting for a heavier post-hardcore sound mixed beautifully with a 80s inspired synth led production. What You Wanted features a collaboration with BURY TOMORROW vocal powerhouse Dani Winter-Bates. The only feature on the album, it somehow slots in impeccably and is in tune with the rest of the LP. Winter-Bates‘ recognisable screams are absolute gold, adding further vigour into the proceedings. Idols feels like Set In Flow mark two, which is equally as impactful. Whilst the melody screams fast paced pop punk, Charlie Rolfe‘s vocals get increasingly heavier, having more gusto as time goes on. Edge Of Forever emits AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR energy in terms of the leading instrumental melody, which is a surprising discovery. Radio-friendly ballad Setting Sun successfully brings Did You Ask To Be Set Free? to an exemplary close.
Did You Ask To Be Set Free? is easily one of the best albums of the year to date. It has everything you could ever want from a record: infectious melodies, gnarling riffs, and outstanding musicianship, with a tearjerking core. AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS are not just a starter band in the alternative scene, they are well and truly leading the way for more emerging artists. We can’t wait to see what they do next.
Rating: 9/10
Did You Ask To Be Set Free? is out now via Century Media Records.
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