ALBUM REVIEW: I Went To Hell And Back – As It Is
AS IT IS have stopped playing it safe. The Brighton-based alt-rock band were formed in 2012 by vocalist Patty Walters with “no expectations and very few ambitions.” They signed to Fearless Records in 2014, releasing Never Happy, Ever After in 2015 and Okay in 2017. The latter found them nailing the pop-punk formula at its best, but there was an inkling of something heavier lurking beneath the surface, which came to the fore on 2018’s The Great Depression as the band embraced the post-hardcore sound. Now they’re back with their fourth album, and first as a trio, entitled I Went To Hell And Back.
The album opens with lead single IDGAF. It’s a fantastic way to start the record, and the post-hardcore screams in the final chorus show that AS IT IS aren’t here to play around. I LIE TO ME which follows is a bit more mellow, but it still leans into the heavier side of rock with a very catchy chorus. It is not just the sound that has improved, the lyrics have gotten more in depth, exploring issues relating to mental health in particular. It shows that the band have grown over the years.
Unfortunately, the heavy rock sound screeches to a halt with the next two songs (ILY, HOW ARE YOU? and IDC, I CAN’T TAKE IT). The two tracks are obviously supposed to be two sides of the same coin. However, the strange electronic production on the first song makes it feel like it is from a completely different album. Obviously, playing around with different genres is what this band does best. Thankfully, I CAN’T TAKE IT brings the pacing back up to speed, whilst also showing off the different electronic rock sound. This continues with I’D RATHER DIE, which again leans into the electronic rock even more, and it’s nice to see the band experimenting with different genres.
Next, the band pick up the pace with the pop-punk ode I MISS 2003. Full of references to idols such as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE (“Tell me that you’re alright/’Cause I’m not okay“), it’s a song which shows the band haven’t forgotten their roots and the music that made them. I’M SICK AND TIRED after that is a surprise joy. Going back to the post-hardcore sound, it’s a welcome return to a style that AS IT IS have made their new home. I WANT TO SEE GOD carries this on too. If anything, it’s even heavier. Starting off with the opening words “I don’t see the light,” the song is an angry cry of someone who has lost faith in religion. It’s an overall highlight, with bassist Ali Testo and guitarist Ronnie Ish having the time of their lives as their frantic playing pulls the song along.
The final six songs include IN THREES, a collaboration with SET IT OFF‘s Cody Carson and rapper JordyPurp. It shouldn’t work, but the production and mixing makes the different genres bleed together nicely. I HATE ME TOO is a pop-punk song that deals with the online criticisms of bands, while the run of I’M GONE, I DIE 1000X and I CAN’T FEEL A THING showcases more of the band’s genre-jumping talents. Finally, closer I WENT TO HELL AND BACK is a gentle electronic rock track which stands in sharp contrast to the harsh opener and shows the journey the audience have gone on.
Overall, I Went To Hell And Back is a cumulation of everything AS IT IS have done so far. The first half of the album is strong, with an emphasis on the post-hardcore sound. Despite three songs not really ‘fitting’ the album, they are still a highlight as they are experimental. This is their first album as a trio, and it is full of songs that will surprise and delight new and old fans. Despite some mishaps, there is something for everyone. This band are at their best when they are having fun, and that definitely happens a lot on this album.
Rating: 8/10
I Went To Hell And Back is set for release on February 4th via Fearless Records.
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