Written by Hannah Clough
Just about all of us have hit that point where it feels like there’s no way out, trapped inside our own minds with intrusive thoughts. That’s what Brighton based three-piece As It Is wanted to bring light to with their sophomore album “Okay.”
When this album was released in 2017, the idea of "it’s okay not to be okay" was brought to life, helping to further a conversation about proper advocation for mental health. Four years later, we’re still trying to help others understand just how important this discussion is.
This record manages to tackle several personal struggles like battling inner demons, losing a loved one, and family issues, which some saw (and still see) as taboo. As It Is is a band that is always wanting to break down barriers, refusing to be defined by a genre from their debut album “Never Happy Ever After” to their most recent concept album exploring stereotypes about gender, mental health, and the current state of the world “The Great Depression.”
The 1950s aesthetic helps to add to the overall theme, suggesting that everything looks better from the outside and no one is aware of what goes on inside a home, or even someone's head; every family looks perfect, a smiling child seems happy, but past those four walls it’s a different story. “Pretty Little Distance”, the first track, sets this tone with the lyrics “ain’t life swell from a pretty little distance.”
The next track “Okay” is the ultimate anthem, letting listeners know that they’re not alone in their struggles. Being able to yell the lyrics to this song in a live setting is empowering, giving fans the chance to tell their thoughts that they don't control who they are.
“Hey Rachel” is an apology to lead vocalist Patty Walters' older sister Rachel. Walters used this track to make up for all the years he disregarded his sister’s mental health, calling himself “selfish and stubborn, a terrible brother.”
“Patchwork Love” is a tragic tale of two people slowly realizing they’re not right for each other and that they need to sort their own issues out before entering a relationship. Though slightly different in subject matter, it still fits into the rest of the album, explaining that you have to worry about yourself before committing to someone else.
Next is “Curtains Close”, narrating a child experiencing their parents' divorce. Luckily, towards the end of the track, the narrator starts to realize that their parents are better off separated, which in most real-life cases is what’s best as well.
“No Way Out” is still one of As It Is' most dynamic tracks both lyrically and instrumentally to date, tackling the concept of being trapped in your own head. The feelings of helplessness and loneliness in the beginning fade into feelings of hope and control by the time we get to the bridge, representing that the demons can be battled and can lose.
The guitar intro from former member Ben Langford-Biss in “Soap” is one you may not expect on an album so instrumentally bright, but it only supports the haunting dueling vocals from Walters and Langford-Biss. As the halfway point of the release, this track was much needed to bring a bit of darkness to battle the light.
“Austen” touches on feelings of losing a loved one and having to see them suffer, not wanting to have to say goodbye. Based on Langford-Biss’ own experience losing his grandfather, this song is deeply personal and is filled with raw emotion.
We can’t stay sad for too long, because “Until I Return” provides a danceable melody with a catchy chorus, telling the story of coming to terms with your struggles. This one has to be my favorite on the record, and it was just what I needed in 2017 to push me to talk to someone about my own issues.
“The Coast Is Where Home Is” shows that feeling homesick can be detrimental to mental health as well. The coast being sung about is of course that of the U.K. but can apply to just about anyone who is away from home often, whether for touring with a band or another reason.
The closer “Still Remembering” will tug at your heartstrings before Walters even starts singing. A sad breakup story leads to the narrator questioning what hurts more, remembering their time together or forgetting it; the faint note of a string ensemble combined with light acoustics allow the heart-wrenching vocals to shine.
With everything packed into this album both musically and emotionally, it's hard to believe it's only 37 minutes long. This record taught me a lot about myself and played a huge role in helping me understand my own struggles, and I'll forever be grateful for it.
“Okay” along with the rest of As It Is’ discography is available to stream wherever you prefer, and you can support the band by following them on Twitter @ASITISofficial and picking up merch from their U.S merch store! Be sure to tweet us @lgndsoftmrw and share your memories of this album and band with us, we'd love to hear them.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't wait to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255, and there are always resources available; you are loved!
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