British pop-punk outfit
As It Is made their label debut in 2015, becoming the first overseas act to sign with alt-rock giant Fearless Records. Since forming in 2012, the hard-working Brighton rockers have remained tireless in their pursuit of success, delivering four self-released EPs in their first three years together and touring almost non-stop. Wasting little time on a follow-up LP, the band hit the studio with producer Mike Green (
All Time Low,
the Color Morale) to record what frontman Patty Walters considers the quintet's most personal release to date. Introspective and intimate as it may be,
Okay. still offers a heaping bowl of sugary, emo-toned pop with occasional dark detours and more aggressive moments. After all, the band's strengths are not in creating dark rock, but in helping the darkness seem a bit less lonely. Slick lead single "Pretty Little Distance" is pure melodic fun and makes a strong case for
As It Is' commercial viability as heirs to mainstream pop punk. Other highlights include the hooky "Hey Rachel" and "The Coast Is Where Home Is" that, like most of the album's other tracks, rely more heavily on the call and response vocals between Walters and resident screamer/guitarist Benjamin Biss. As bright bards of tuneful pop-punk bangers,
As It Is are on point on their sophomore set. ~ Timothy Monger